Living with a depressed wife can alter your mood and make life and daily tasks difficult. According to a study conducted by researchers with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2000, spouses living with a depressed patient reported a more depressed mood than the general population, as well as numerous other burdens. Learning how to cope with your wife's condition and offering her support and help as she seeks treatment can help both of you get through difficult times without straining your marriage.
Step 1
Educate yourself about the symptoms and causes of depression. Learning more about your wife's condition can help you understand that you are not to blame and that you cannot fix all of her problems. Depression is a serious condition that often requires medical or professional psychological treatment.
Step 2
Discuss your concerns with your wife. Do not be argumentative or accusatory. Simply offering to listen to her feelings and symptoms can help open the doors of communication so that you can work through her problem together.
Step 3
Assure your spouse that you are willing to support her and listen to her feelings. Do not underplay her problems by telling her she should get over it or that everyone has problems, recommends HelpGuide.org.
Step 4
Encourage your wife to seek treatment for her condition. If she is nervous or defensive about seeing a psychiatrist, suggest a visit to your family doctor to help diagnose her depression and offer suggestions for treatment, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Offer to go with your spouse to doctor's appointments when you can. Let her know that you are available to listen to her talk about her treatment sessions if she sees a counselor or psychiatrist, but make sure she knows that you will not pressure her for information.
Step 6
Remind your wife that you care about her and make sure to encourage her when she handles things in a positive manner or has a good day. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping her improve her self-image, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 7
Work with your wife to create a household routine. Help with chores, errands and meal preparation to help reduce stress so that it is easier for your wife to cope with daily tasks.
Step 8
Plan healthy activities you can do with your wife. Encourage her to accompany you on a walk or watch a film comedy together to help lift her mood, suggests HelpGuide.org.
Step 9
Monitor your wife for signs of suicide and self-harm. Do not take talk of suicide lightly and pay attention to other warning signs, such as giving away belongings, drug abuse, severe changes in mood or personality, or isolating herself. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you are worried that your wife is at risk of suicide, and do not leave her alone. You can also get help and support through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Step 10
Set limits for yourself when dealing with your wife. While it is natural to want to help your spouse, you must take care of yourself as well.
Step 11
Seek support or counseling for yourself if you find your wife's condition difficult to deal with or if you have feelings you find difficult to express. Keeping yourself in good mental health is important to maintaining a healthy marriage.
