It's hard to cope with a depressed partner--read these insights that may help you understand better
By John M. Grohol — Written on Jul 04, 2011
This guest article from PsychCentral was written by Kate Thieda
For the healthy partner, it can be difficult to understand the inner experience of someone with depression. For the partner with depression, finding the words to articulate what’s happening can be impossible. Validating your partner goes a lot further, though, when the healthier partner has some idea about what exactly is happening.
Below are some real-life comments from people who have experienced depression:
“Please take the time to learn about my illness, whether that’s doing research online, reading books, or going to a support group.”
“Don’t make me feel bad about the costs involved with my treatment. I need medication, and I need therapy. What’s more important: the money or my life?”
“Talk with me about what I can handle right now. I’m not a child, nor am I fragile. We didn’t stop being a couple just because I’m depressed!”
“Sex may have to wait a while. I feel guilty about that, but it would help if you would be open to exploring other ways to be intimate."
“I want my partner to also go to counseling because I know my depression affects him/her, too.”
“If I had cancer or a broken leg, you would be supportive. Please don’t treat me any differently just because the illness I have is depression.
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This article was originally published at . Reprinted with permission from the author.