
Research suggests between 30-50 percent of couples experiencing marital problems have one partner with depression.
This is a very significant dynamic of struggling relationships and one that certainly needs addressing.
It is no wonder depression can impact a marriage. Typical symptoms of depression include:
Feelings of irritability, sadness, guilt, and/or worthlessness.
Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities.
Feeling tired with little energy.
Difficulty making decisions and an inability to focus.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Eating too much or too little.
Frequent or recurring thoughts of death and/or suicide.
When we think about it, it is no wonder a person suffering from the above symptoms is also having a difficult time in a relationship, and it is no wonder a partner of someone who is depressed is struggling to understand and cope.
If depression is a possible contributing factor in a struggling marriage, it is important to get the needed help.
Depression is a very real and often very difficult diagnosis with which to deal. It not only affects the one with the specific diagnosis but also the family and loved ones, of the one with depression.
For those suffering from depression, asking for help may seem impossible. Calling a doctor may be the last thing someone wants to do when they are feeling hopeless and exhausted. And yet, it is important that someone suffering from depression get help.
It is difficult to work on a relationship if one partner is depressed, therefore, it is important to see a professional to reduce or eliminate the depression.







6 comments:
Thank you Jen.
I had been separated for 2-1/2 years went I took a nosedive down the depression highway. It is so incredible difficult to get better when you want to die ... I can't imaging what it must do to a couple.
Hi Technobabe...
Great! I think the more folks realize that depression can be a big factor in a struggling marriage the better!
Lots of love,
Jen
Hi George...
You are so right!
When depression gets so bad that hope is gone, it is difficult to work on one's one life let alone a relationship.
I'm so thankful you are alive and well! :-)
You are an inspiration for sure!
Hugs,
jen
Its better for one to be unmarried until he/she recovers from mental illness.If they got married they will feel difficult to experiance the joyness. They often get depressed for little things.As you say depression has its impact on marriage.
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Paul_allan.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual Diagnosis
Hi, my husband and I have been working through his depression for about 6 months. He is on medication, which he takes, and we saw a counselor for a few months. He seemed back to his old self for the past few months. We have had a few stressful things happen and he handled them fine. Recently my mom has started dating someone my husband doesn't like. He told me he didn't want anything to do with them and not to bring him up. I haven't. Today my sister unknowingly mentioned that my mom's boyfriend was back in town. He made a very rude comment about my mother and it upset me. I left the room. He came in and told me if I didn't like it he would pack his bags. I asked him if that was all i was to him, someone he could walk away from after a disagreement. He said he is going to go to work and bring me his paycheck and stay locked in his T.V. room everyday. Because his money is all he is good for. I do not understand why he gets so upset so quickly and so strongly. Every other area of our lives is really good. We had a great day, before this. We slept in together shared a happy lunch, and watched our favorite shows. Or sex life is wonderful and we are usually like very close friends. He is sitting in his room with the door locked right now and I feel alone and scared and very very sad. Does there come a point when enough is enough and I should be able to let go? I love him so much. I do not know what to do.
Hi SadNlove,
Thanks for writing! I hope things are a little better this morning!
From what you wrote, it sounds like your marriage is pretty good for the most part? But, as you discuss there are still a few issues with the depression.
It sounds like he is managing pretty well with an occassional severe moodswing, is that about right?
A couple of ideas, first there may be some medication issues. It may be good to have his health care professional check to see if there needs to be any chances there. In addition I would highly recommend your husband continue counseling. A good therapist can help your husband learn how to more appropriately manage those situations that are uncomfortable for him.
Now, back to you! (smile) One idea for you may be to prepare yourself for these sorts of outbursts. IOW, when you are having a nice day with your husband have a discussion on how you both will manage when things get difficult. Come up with a plan. Acknowledge that there are times where some tension arises and figure out the best way you both can handle them. It may be that your husband decides to go watch TV for an hour then will come back and dicuss the issue. Or it may be that you can both take fifteen minutes to calm down then talk about it, or maybe you will decide to go have a cup of tea and take a walk... or whatever. The point is, if a couple has a plan and know in advance how to manage the difficult times, they get through them without the crisis.
Does that make sense?
My best wishes to you sweetie...
Jennifer
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