You’ve been married 5 years now, and things are worse than ever.
Not with the marriage specifically, per se. It’s the depression. Your partner has been dealt a huge dose of it, and is suffering. No matter what you do, it doesn’t seem to help.
It’s human nature to want to make one another feel better. And when it comes to someone you love, that urge knows no bounds.
Which is why it’s so hard when, no matter what you try – and you’ve tried everything you can think of – it doesn’t seem to work.
You’re left feeling powerless against this huge, and more often than not invisible disorder. You’re overwhelmed; even frustrated and angry at times. And then to make things worse, you feel guilty for feeling that way, so that guilt and self-beratement gets piled on top of everything else.
This is a tough situation to be in, and if it’s moved through unconsciously, it may begin to affect the marriage.
If you find yourself in this situation (or you are the depressed person in this scenario) here are some steps you can take.
How to Help a Depressed Partner
If your partner isn’t already receiving care for their depression, it’s important that they receive professional help.
Depression treatment can be tricky, as each person and case is different. However, seeing a therapist is one of the best ways of getting better, and finding relief.
Remember, low-motivation and not wanting to do things are all part of depression; do your best to be encouraging and supportive, eliminating as many barriers as possible that interfere with your partner getting help.
You can help by being supportive. It’s not your job to “fix” your partner, you simply have to listen, be patient, and be there for them.
How to Help Yourself When Your Partner’s Depressed
It’s frustrating. Why is it taking so long? Why can’t they just snap out of it? You feel ashamed every time you think those thoughts, but you can’t help it. You feel lost, totally out of your element.
Trying to help someone navigate something like depression is difficult. It puts a real strain on the marriage when one partner has to take on more, because the other is being held hostage by depression.
Don’t beat yourself up over your thoughts or frustrations. Here are some things you can do that may help:
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Join a caregiver’s support group
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Make time for yourself to do something that you enjoy, that also restores you
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Incorporate a little movement in your day, and encourage your partner to join you
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Find a therapist who can help you work through some of the challenges
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Spend time with friends
If You’re Depressed
If you’re depressed and have added the guilt of how it’s affecting your relationships and marriage, try not to worry.
Your focus needs to be on getting better.
There’s no rush.
No specific timeline that you have to adhere to. Just make sure you are keeping up with your depression treatment, meeting with your therapist regularly, and communicating with your psychiatrist, if medication is indicated.
Help for Both of You
Couples counseling can be a lifeline in situations like this. It’s an excellent way for both couples to share what they’re experiencing, and brings them closer together.
A therapist will help you work through some of the challenges, and you’ll be a much stronger couple after the experience.
At the Relationship Therapy Center, we do both. We offer depression treatment, and if you’re searching for ‘marriage counseling near me,’ we have two locations in the Sacramento area. For those with busy schedules or too far of a commute, we offer convenient online sessions.
There is hope. Reach out today, and learn more about how we can help.
Begin Depression Treatment in the Sacramento Area:
If you are struggling with depression, you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, With treatment for depression, you can find enthusiasm, hope, and joy again. You don’t just have to cope with depression but you can overcome depression. To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA, or online therapy in California, please follow these steps:
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Reach out to the Relationship Therapy Center to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about depression treatment
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Meet with one of our therapists
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Begin depression treatment and find the joy in your life again!
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to depression treatment, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.