Your partner, whom you love and whose company you enjoy, went from easygoing to an irritable and moody dark cloud. No matter what you do or say, you just can't seem to cheer them up. You constantly feel like you are failing to make your partner happy and are worried your relationship will fail. Though depression can impact the quality of any relationship, it does not mean your union has to suffer a loss.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of depression in order to find ways to cope with and manage it effectively. There are various degrees of depression, from chronic, persistent to mild. Severe depression will require clinical intervention and perhaps even medication. However, most individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent forms of depression are often aware they have it since it impedes their quality of life. On the other hand, some individuals can suffer from depression and not even know it. Depression can come and go throughout a person's life without expressing itself in recognizable symptoms.
The symptoms of depression can range from mild to extreme and include some of the following symptoms:
- Ongoing periods of low mood or sadness
- A tendency to experience hopelessness and helplessness
- Bouts of Low self-esteem, which can impact sexual engagement
- Often irritated and intolerant of other
- Crying for no reason
- Struggles in making decisions
- Changes in eating habits, which contribute to weight gain or loss
- Inconsistent sleeping patterns,
- Excessive drinking
- Feeling guilt-ridden
- Low motivation or loss of interest in things they typically enjoy
- Feeling concerned or anxious often
- Suicidal thoughts or desire to harm self
Occasionally we all experience a few of the symptoms above, especially when encountering a rough period in our lives. For instance, if we are unhappy with various circumstances, such as work, health, home life, or relationship, it is natural to become depressed.
Depression does not have to be the end of your relationship. You can get through this period together. The key is finding a way to cope. It is strongly recommended that you seek help even if you are not the one struggling with depression since it will provide you with tools and a healthy place to vent. When it comes to depression, being proactive is vital and the best way to manage it.
Copyright © 2023 R. Castro
Resources
Depression: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/symptoms/
Signs: https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/how-to-cope-with-a-depressed-spouse/
Providing support: https://lifehacker.com/how-to-support-a-partner-struggling-with-depression-1717700336
Tips for coping: https://psychcentral.com/lib/suffering-in-silence-when-your-spouse-is-depressed/
Learning more about depression: https://www.psycom.net/help-partner-deal-with-depression/
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