6 Ways to Help Your Partner Deal with Depression
1. Educate Yourself
Without knowledge of depression, it will be challenging to help. Educating yourself will prepare you to handle any thinking, emotional, or behavioral changes. Depression could be based on genetics or a major life event like a death in the family. See if your partner has had any of the following symptoms for the past two weeks:
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Appetite and/or sleep changes
Trouble concentrating
Irritability
Talk of suicide or self-harm
Sometimes these symptoms persist, or they come and go. Once you learn about these symptoms, you will understand your partner better.
2. Ask How to Help
Everyone has different ideas of what works for them. It is important never to assume your partner’s wants or needs. Ask your partner questions about how they would like support. You can ask if they would prefer to be alone, what they want to do right now, or how best you can support them. Be open to these answers, and do not be quick to interrupt.
3. Active Listening
You may think that what you say is the most important thing when your partner has depression. While it is important to be careful with your words, you should also pay close attention to how you listen. Your loved one may have periods of silence because they are afraid you have no interest in what they have to say. If your partner looks like they want to say something, let them speak. Once your partner pauses, feel free to speak by validating what your partner says. This will show you are listening. Always reassure you love your partner and are here for them.
4. Create an Action Plan
Your partner will have good days and bad days. On the bad days, you and your partner ought to come up with an action plan on what to do. See about rearranging each other’s schedules to create extra time together as well as moments for communication. If there is a particular code word that your partner can use to describe their low moods, follow through with it, so you know when it is time to use your action plan.
5. Encouragement for Professional Treatment
Even though you want to be there for your partner, remember that you are not a professional therapist. Finding an exceptional therapist for your partner will show your limits and allow someone else to take the reins. Let your partner know that as much as you want to help, they should consider working with a therapist to explore all of their tools. You can even participate in couples therapy so you can be involved.
6. Be Supportive During Treatment
Continue to let your partner know how proud you are of them. For example, you can drive your partner to therapy, stay in the waiting room, or help with their medication. Sticking with treatment requires a lot of strength, so make sure to remind them that.
We are here to help. Learn more about our depression services, and contact us soon.