How to Cope With a Depressed Partner

Depression is a serious condition that everyone may face sometime in their lifetime. It not only affects their own feelings and emotions, it can also affect others around them, especially close family members and friends. Although it may be difficult to have a partner affected by a depression disorder, you can find ways to deal with it while also helping your partner.

Instructions

Dealing with a Depressed Partner

• 1

  Learn about depression disorder. One of the best things you can do is educate yourself on major depressive disorder. Learn the symptoms of depression, causes, and the various treatments available. Understanding the disorder may help you to better understand your partner and what they are going through. You can find great sources of information on the internet and in your local library or book store. Join support groups on the internet or in your local town to talk with others who are also dealing with depression. If your partner does not know much about depression, this can be a great way for you to learn about it together.

• 2

  Be supportive. When your partner is feeling down, always be supportive of her. She may need to talk about her feelings with you, or perhaps have some alone time. You can help her by taking care of any children in the house or helping with chores around the house, which will give her some time to go for a walk or do something by herself.

• 3

  Keep yourself in good spirits. Don't let your partner's depressive mood rub off on you. According to 4therapy.com, you should ensure your own happiness by making time for yourself, whether it be going out with friends or taking a vacation, even if your partner doesn't feel up to tagging along. Find something that you enjoy doing and keep doing it so that you don't follow in your partner's own depressive footsteps. This will not only help you, it will also help your partner.

• 4

  Help your partner seek help. If the depression is more than just a phase, encourage him to seek help. A medical physician or psychologist can determine what disorder, if any, is present and prescribe medication that will aid in stabilizing your partner's moods. Therapy sessions can also help with depression disorder. A qualified therapist can teach your partner how to deal with their emotions while also teaching them ways to change their way of thinking. It may also help your partner to realize where the depression comes from and to deal with situations in their life that may be contributing to depression.