According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 20.9 million Americans ages 18 and older in any given year experience some form of depression--heightening the probability of this disorder hitting close to home. For many, this may sadly come in the form of a spouse with depression. Fortunately, due to depression's highly treatable nature, as stated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, hope exists as the many healthy ways you can help your depressed spouse and yourself during this challenging time.
Step 1
Educate yourself on the symptoms of depression. By learning about the symptoms, you will be better equipped to understand your spouse's moods and behaviors. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of depression may include persistent feelings of sadness, changes in appetite, and frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
Step 2
Suggest that your spouse seek treatment. Explain to him that depression is an illness, not a sign of "weakness" and that several depression treatments are available. According to the University of Michigan's Depression Center, psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and medications prove to be very effective for many.
Step 3
Join a depression support group. According to the Mayo Clinic, preventing your depressed spouse from isolating herself is crucial for the treatment of her depression. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can help you and your spouse cope and provide much-needed emotional support.
Step 4
Provide emotional support for your spouse. Remind your spouse that you love him unconditionally and allow him to express what he's feeling. Providing a shoulder to lean on is therapeutic for your spouse and can even enhance intimacy in your relationship. Try to be compassionate if your spouse is unable to fulfill all of his usual household duties, as depression is also a physically draining disease, according to the University of Michigan's Depression Center.
Step 5
Exercise with your spouse. Brisk walking, jogging or other aerobic exercise can improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression and may play a supporting role in treating severe depression by enhancing the release of endorphins (chemicals produced by the brain), which enhance mood, according to Harvard Medical School.
Step 6
Nurture yourself. Continue to get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise and enlist the emotional support of relatives and friends. Brigham Young University says a spouse of a depressed person is at high risk of developing depression herself. Continue attending to your own personal needs to avoid this.
