As a debilitating mental health disorder, depression affects relationships in many ways. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a familial relationship, or just a platonic friendship, depression affects not only the person struggling with it but also those around them. In this post, we will explore how depression affects relationships through four examples and discuss how to cope with depression symptoms.
4 Ways Depression Affects Relationships:
1) Romantic Relationships
Depression affects relationships on the romantic level, which can take a toll on both you and your partner. A person who is depressed may struggle to communicate effectively, have difficulty expressing their feelings, and withdraw from their partner. The partner may feel rejected, helpless, and frustrated as they try to support their loved one through their depression.
For example, let’s say that Sarah is struggling with depression, and her partner, John, doesn’t understand what she’s going through. John may feel like Sarah is pushing him away, and Sarah may feel like John doesn’t care. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, which can cause even more stress and tension in the relationship.
To cope with this, couples need to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings. Partners need to understand that depression is an illness and that it is not a reflection of their love or support. Seeking professional help, like therapy or counseling, can also be beneficial for both partners.
2) Familial Relationships
Depression affects relationships within your family. A person who is depressed may withdraw from their family members, leading to a breakdown in communication and feelings of isolation. Family members may not know how to help their loved one and may feel helpless.
For example, let’s say that Tom is struggling with depression, and his family doesn’t understand what he’s going through. Tom may isolate himself and avoid spending time with his family, causing his family members to feel rejected and powerless to help him.
To cope with this, family members need to educate themselves about depression and its symptoms. They need to provide a supportive environment for their loved one and encourage them to seek professional help. Family therapy can also be helpful in improving communication and strengthening relationships.
3) Platonic Relationships/Friendships
Depression affects relationships with your friends. A person who is depressed may isolate themselves from their friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Friends may not know how to help their loved one and may feel helpless.
For example, let’s say that Jane is struggling with depression, and her friends don’t understand what she’s going through. Jane may avoid spending time with her friends, causing her friends to feel like they’ve lost their connection with her.
To cope with this, friends need to educate themselves about depression and its symptoms. They need to provide a supportive environment for their loved one and encourage them to seek professional help. Friendships can also benefit from group therapy, where everyone can discuss their feelings and provide support to one another.
4) Your Relationship with God
Depression can also impact our relationship with God. When we’re struggling with depression, we may feel disconnected from God and struggle to find comfort in our faith. However, it’s important to remember that God is always with us and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing.
To cope with this, seeking out a spiritual mentor or therapist can be helpful. Practicing meditation, prayer, and gratitude can also help us reconnect with our faith and find comfort in our relationship with God.
Simply put, depression affects relationships in a pretty big way. Whether you’re in a romantic, familial, or platonic relationship, it’s important to understand that depression is an illness and that seeking help is a courageous step toward healing.
By educating ourselves about depression, communicating openly and honestly with our loved ones, and seeking professional help from our clinically excellent Christian counselors, we can strengthen our relationships and find support during difficult times. Additionally, remembering that God is always with us and seeking spiritual support can help us reconnect with our faith and find comfort and peace in our relationship with God.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it’s important to seek professional help. There are many resources available, including therapy, medication, and support groups. Remember that you are not alone and that there is hope for healing and recovery. By taking care of ourselves and our relationships, we can overcome the ways depression affects relationships and find happiness and fulfillment in our lives.
FIND A CHRISTIAN THERAPIST
Research shows that much of the change people experience during their time in therapy is because they felt heard and understood by their therapist–that their therapist “got them” and that the guidance they gave was relevant and applicable. Because of this, it is critical that you find a therapist whom you can connect with, whom you feel comfortable with, whom you feel “gets you.” Therefore, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read a little about each one of our therapists. If you prefer to look at the counselors nearest to you, please click the office location buttons below. Otherwise, you can meet with any of our Christian Counselors online from the comfort of your own home. If you have questions about any of them, please contact us!
