It can be hard to watch someone you love battle depression. It feels like you are standing from a distance, watching your partner suffer. You want to help, but you do not know how. Or maybe you think it is not your place to help, and your partner can handle things independently if they say so.
The truth is that ignoring the depression signs your partner presents will not make them go away. This is especially true if your partner engages in self-harm or suicide attempts. Even though you cannot cure your partner’s depression, there is always something you can do to help.
Here are five ways to help your partner navigate depression.
1. Learn All About Depression
You may think that depression means your partner is always upset. In reality, people with depression have their good and bad days. Depression flows in waves with symptoms like:
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Changes in sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Irritability
Feeling worthless
Lack of concentration
Physical pains
Thinking about death
If you want to help your partner, take the time to learn everything you can about it. Dispel the myths and get the facts. You can go to your local library, read up on it, and research from reputable websites. You can also speak to a mental health professional about any general questions you may have.
2. Be Available
Depression could be making your partner feel alone in the world even if you two are still together. Being physically present in someone’s life makes little difference if you are never available to talk. One of the best things you can do for your partner is show you are there. You may not have all the answers to your partner’s problems, but you are always there to listen. Be there to hold your partner’s hand or give a hug.
3. Make Small Goals
Depression is overwhelming enough. Instead of pushing your partner to accomplish big goals, aim for something smaller. For example, your partner’s depression could be due to their failure to find a job. Instead of already encouraging your partner to apply for job postings, focus on more minor things like fixing up a resume or writing a cover letter. These little steps can lead to a great outcome. If you both can be patient when it comes to achieving goals, you can be patient in depression recovery.
4. Know the Signs of Suicide
You never want to imagine your partner entering the mindset of wanting to kill themselves. But as previously stated, ignoring the signs will not change your partner. It is essential to know the red flags such as:
Talks of suicide
Suicide attempts
Extreme mood swings
Noticeable changes in routine
Saying goodbye
Giving away belongings
Managing affairs
Let your partner know they do not need to be scared to come to you when these thoughts come. Also, continue to share with your partner how special you think they are. Everyone can use a reminder once in a while.
5. Encourage Treatment
Your partner may be afraid to seek treatment for fear of what others will think. Like a broken bone needs to be treated, so does a depressed mood. Let your partner know you have noticed changes in their behavior and that willing their behavior to change is not enough. Reassure them that you will make yourself available for their appointments and help them find the best therapist. Lastly, but most important, take care of your own needs and find support. If you are looking for a therapist, please contact us for a free consultation. We are always here to help.
Learn more about depression therapy in Colorado. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
