Dating someone with depression can be daunting. To keep the relationship going during a bout of depression, it’s hard for both people involved. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself with some facts about depression. And this article brought to you by Love is all colors will also talk about how your depressed partner may feel. We’ll also go over the differences you may notice when someone is getting into depression. And don’t be afraid to dive into dating someone with depression and anxiety. The first tip is to be aware…
Read on…
Tips on how to love someone with depression
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a medical illness. It’s also known as a major depressive disorder. If you’re dating someone with depression, it can affect the way they feel, the way they think and how they act. Thankfully depression is treatable. However, some people don’t know how to deal with depression, or they’re not willing to take the necessary steps that can help them.
It all starts with loving yourself first. Because if you’re dating someone with depression, it can be hard to keep the relationship going. You need to know how to handle when your depressed partner. You can! All you need to do is to learn about the signs of depression. You also need to know how to respond in the best way that will be good for you and your partner.
Warning signs to watch for if you think your partner is depressed
Below are a few questions you can ask yourself if you are concerned that your partner is depressed:
- Has your partner ever experienced a low mood for more than 14 days?
- Did your partner lose interest in activities or hobbies that they used to be excited about?
- Do they have mood swings?
- Have their sleeping patterns changed?
- Are there noticeable changes in their weight or appetite? (especially loss of appetite)
These are a few things you May notice if you’re dating someone with depression. Sometimes depressed people won’t tell you that they’re sad. But you will probably see it.
Your partner may not know how to explain depression to someone who doesn’t have it
There are reasons why your partner may not tell you they are depressed. First, they probably don’t know they are. Then. they could be embarrassed. They could even be afraid that you will leave them if they tell you they’re feeling depressed. Depression can be crippling.
If you are a woman loving a man with depression and he tells you — don’t judge
If you’re dating someone with depression and they disclose this information to you, thank your partner for trusting you. This opens the A-B Trust window and good future communication.
Dating someone with depression and anxiety are not the same things, but they overlap in some ways
Many people don’t realize the differences between dating with depression and anxiety. According to Psycom.net, Many people with depression are also anxious. Also, people with generalized anxiety disorder can also become depressed. These are common symptoms of medical illnesses. But please realize that you need to let a mental health professional or doctor evaluate your partner if they have one of these disorders.
Here are the significant symptoms of depression
- Lack of energy
- Losing interest in activities
- Sleeping too much or insomnia
- Suicidal behaviors and thoughts
- Decrease or increase in appetite
- Low mood
- Angry outbursts
Here are some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
- Muscle tension
- Being highly irritable
- Lack of concentration
- Worrying a lot
- Acting restless
- Tiring easily
To be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, a person will usually have five of the symptoms for at least 2 weeks straight. As you can see from the bulleted list, there are several overlaps in anxiety and depression.
If you think your partner has had these symptoms for many days – for more than 6 months (or even much less), it can cause you lots of stress as well. Most people that have depression do not want to be depressed. It’s not something they choose on purpose.
If you have a discussion with your partner about dating with depression, do not blame them for having it. Most people with depression don’t want to hurt you on purpose. But if you feel your emotional or physical well-being is at risk, you do not need to stay in the relationship.
You may wonder about how to tell if a depressed man really loves you or not
Love mixed in with a cocktail of depression is a complicated thing. There are many different kinds of love. With depression it’s tricky.
Now I’m going to get into some of the main ways you can help when you’re dating someone with depression.
If you’re dating someone with depression, you need to be a compassionate listener
You don’t need to try to solve your partner’s problem. Instead, you can say things like “I hear you,” or “ Is there anything I do to help you?” And “ You’re not alone.” However, do not say things like, “ get over it.” Or “ don’t be such a baby.” This will not help your situation.
When you’re dating someone with depression offer to be helpful
You can help them wash their dishes, help them with grocery shopping, or something as simple as taking a walk together and listening to them talk. You can also do something fun with them like watch a movie they love together.
Also when you’re dating someone with depression, encourage them to get help
Depression is a hard thing for many people to get over. And if your partner is depressed, you can encourage them to see a doctor and or counselor. It can be hard to get them to do this. But be kind and steer the conversation towards making them see that they need the help. When you love someone with depression, it can be a lot of pressure to give that much support. And if it feels like it’s too much for you to handle, you may also want to seek counseling for yourself on how to handle yourself when you are with them.
You can call Psychguides.com 1-866-233-3468, for immediate free help, go to an emergency room, doctor or counselor. Here’s a place where you can find therapists who specialize in depression near you.
I want you to have the tools you need to help your relationship.
Suffering from anxiety? Find out how pets for anxiety can be helpful too!