Depression is a common illness that affects approximately 4 percent of the global population. This might seem like a small number, but it works out to roughly 280 million people.
The same data linked above also shows that depression is on the rise and has been for the last 30 years. Even though more people are affected by depression than have been previously, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding this condition and how to help family members and loved ones who struggle with it.
For those who have a depressed spouse and don’t know how to support them, some important questions are answered below and can shed more light on the issue.
Table of Contents
(click on a question to be directed quickly)
How do you deal with a depressed spouse?
How do I know if my spouse has depression?
How does living with a partner with depression affect me?
What is the best way to help a depressed spouse?
How Do You Deal with a Depressed Partner?
If you have a depressed spouse, it can be hard to encourage your partner and convince them to seek help.
When one person struggles with depression, it can also create a vicious cycle — especially if that person withdraws or has angry outbursts.
The other partner may feel hurt by these actions and respond in the same way. This can further exacerbate the depressed person’s symptoms and cause them to withdraw further or get even angrier than they were previously.
A better way to handle living with a depressed spouse and encourage them to get help is to talk to them calmly and let them know what you’ve observed — as well as how their symptoms of depression are affecting you.
When bringing these things up, it’s important to not be accusatory. Instead, acknowledge that it’s a difficult time for your partner.
How Do I Know if My Spouse Has Depression?
It is also helpful to learn about depression — and what depression isn’t — if you want to help a depressed partner.
The more you know about the signs of depression, the different types of depression — major depression, postpartum depression, bipolar depression, etc. — and the different treatment processes available, the easier it will be for you to address the problem effectively.
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, people with depression may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
- Crying often
- Seeming angry often
- Lacking energy
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping more often than usual
- Sleeping very little
- Drinking more alcohol than usual
- Using drugs