The experience of having a partner with depression

Living with someone with depression is difficult. and heThe burden that the caregiver of the person with depression may have can determine their mental health. It seems, then, that having a partner with depression can be quite a challenge in a person’s life.

Furthermore, compared to other family members, taking the place of the partner of a person with depression is much more complicated. If you live with that person or are simply closely related to them, a large number of loading factors will arise.

Even It may happen that the partner assumes the depressive symptoms of the person with depression as their fault.. This highlights the “family” nature of depression, which is capable of generating a great impact on the lives of the relatives of those affected by it.

How to adapt to life with a partner with depression?

Within a relationship, the practical changes made in it must occur, in some way, in parallel to the development of a new self. This new development allows both the person affected by depression and their partner to begin to move forward in their lives.

Thus, with respect to adjusting to a partner’s depression, Experts consider that there are several phases. These would be:

The adaptation phase. The recovery phase. Gaining a new perspective.

These phases as a whole could allow obtaining a new perspective by integrating depression into the couple’s life.. It’s about finding a balance in which you show concern and love, while maintaining emotional distance and limiting your responsibility.

Another emotional strategy that can be very favorable in this situation is opening up to receive support.

Caring for a couple with depression

Having a caring bond with a person affected by depression is complicated. It is a psychosocial and cyclical process that caregivers undergo, which is not static and often causes them to need external support.

In the case of the couple, couples therapy can be useful in early stages to help the affected person by depression and their partner to understand and make sense of interpersonal changes. It can also be helpful in understanding and anticipating new family dynamics as they arise.

Address stigma

Addressing the stigma associated with depression is critical in order to manage real and perceived structural barriers. The search for professional support, both by the person affected by depression and by their caregivers, must be normalized in order to cope with this disorder.

Stigma is often what stops people with depression from seeking help.. That is why continuing to address this problem until it is eradicated is so important. With this, the partner or caregivers of the depressed person can be helped to “overcome the challenges.” This can prompt them to go to professionals seeking help both for themselves and for those affected by depression.

Self-compassion and self-care

It is necessary, as a caregiver for a person with depression, reach a certain point of self-compassion through self-care.

This can help you accept your partner’s illness and care for one’s own emotional needs as one progresses and begins to accept life’s new challengessuch as caring for a depressed partner or family member (1).

Mindfulness

It has been shown in several studies that the mindfulness (which includes self-compassion training) can be beneficial in those who have relationships with people with depression.

Mindfulness can help people living with a partner with depressionsince it promotes progress towards a feeling of security regarding their role as caregivers.

It seems clear that more research is needed on the topic. However, the conclusion we can draw is that It is important that whoever cares for the person with depression is aware of their psychological needsas well as the support that your environment can provide you.

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