6 Ways to Build a Strong Relationship When Struggling With Depression

 / 

,
Build Strong Relationship Struggling With Depression

6 Ways to Build a Strong Relationship

Relationships can be difficult when one or both partners are struggling with depression. Here are a few tips to help you.

My boyfriend and I are as happy together as two depressed people can be. Friends of mine have marveled at how this can work and I am nothing short of surprised myself. Though five years apart in age, neither of us is where we were hoping to be in life right now. One day, if weโ€™re ever rich and famous, this will be the part of our relationship that people will romanticize. They will wax poetic about how we stuck together through a bad economy, depression, and creative projects that never went as far as we had hoped they would. Sadly, love alone isnโ€™t enough to sustain a five-year relationship through all of that.

It also takes the least romantic thing of all: hard work.

A person struggling with depression is far from an ideal romantic partner. When you feel like youโ€™re drowning in a black hole itโ€™s hard to think outside yourself enough to be considerate in a relationship. I even briefly considered ending things when I thought it was unfair to give my boyfriend the worst version of myself, but reconsidered. If youโ€™ve found something that works at the core, you shouldnโ€™t have to lose it to a bout of bad timing. Here are some of the techniques that sustain us through the bad times.

6 ways to build a strong relationship when struggling with depression:

1. Communicate

This may be the most important thing to do in any relationship but is especially important when dealing with depression and anxiety. If you are in a bad mood or need alone time, explain this to your partner. Failure to do so can make the person feel like they are somehow at fault. If you make it a habit to discuss your feelings, your partner may even pick up on patterns you didnโ€™t notice. They can help you realize that these feelings will pass because they have before.

Patience isnโ€™t really something that comes naturally to me, but Iโ€™ve really tried to work on that for the sake of my relationship. I know that my boyfriend is not in my head, and there might be things he wonโ€™t understand right away. As long as I see that heโ€™s trying I cut him some slack.

Effective communication is the key to build a strong relationship when dealing with depression.

Related: Escaping the Matrix of Depression: The Hidden Antidote That Will Set You Free

2. Laugh Often

If you see your partner lost behind a dark cloud, find something to take their mind off it. My boyfriend and I love to snuggle on the couch and watch Itโ€™s Always Sunny In Philadelphia or Jontron. Doing something fun that doesnโ€™t involve the pressure of a social situation is a good way to wind down and move a step towards a strong relationship.

3. Remember Your Partner Isnโ€™t The Enemy

When youโ€™re already feeling low, itโ€™s sometimes hard to share space with someone. Every little thing may start to rub you the wrong way. Remind yourself that your partner did not make you miss your train, lose your wallet, or tell your boss to chew you out. They are there to support you through tough times, not make it worse. Let your partner be a source of comfort and a safe place to end your day.

Related: 12 Step Guide To Expand Your Relationship Intelligence

4. Be Encouraging

Unless your partner did something unforgivably awful, be on their side. This doesnโ€™t mean to never call them out on anything, you can and should, just donโ€™t make them feel trapped. If they messed something up, focus on what they can do to prevent doing that in the future. Let them know that you donโ€™t think less of them.

Related: 10 Best Ways You Can Support A Loved One with Depression

5. Give Each Other Gifts

If times are financially tough, this can be something tiny or handmade. The key is to make the other person feel thought of, not to spend a ton of money. Bring them their favorite candy, draw them a little picture, or write a note. You would be surprised how that can change the cadence of their day and there you go one step closer to a strong relationship.

Related: 8 Things You Can Do If You Want To Stop Feeling Depressed And Lonely

6. Give Each Other Space

Being close to your partner can make them feel loved during difficult times, but people need well-rounded lives. Encourage them to spend time with friends, read, or work on something creative. A relationship isnโ€™t enough to make you happy.

Above all, no two people are alike. No two people experience depression in exactly the same way either. If you are ever in doubt about what your partner needs, just ask. Let them know in a nonconfrontational way that you realize they are going through a rough time right now. Reassure your partner that you are there for them and you want to minimize their discomfort. Depression is awful, but I feel closer to my boyfriend than ever. I know that whatever happens, we will continue to support each other.

Are you ready to build a strong relationship with your loved one while dealing with depression? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in comment below.

Related video:


Originally appeared on: The Good Men Project

Build Strong Relationship Struggling With Depression pin
6 Ways To Build A Strong Relationship When Struggling With Depression

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

10 Songs About Depression: Soulful Songs That You Will Relate To

Best Songs about depression that will calm your soul

Depression is the dark shadow that engrosses the normal life function of individuals making them numb or extremely agitated. In this situation, personally, I prefer to listen to music that can beat any stress with a calm vibe. And not only me, music therapy is one of the best ways to deal with depression and sadness. 

There is nothing more relaxing than listening to some soulful music that can calm your soul and also you can relate to them. 

Bands like Coldplay or famous songwriters like Lana Del Rey are not only popular for good music but for relatable songs that can nurture a weary heart. In this blog, w



Up Next

7 Shocking Facts About Mental Health That Will Surprise You

Mind-Blowing Facts About Mental Health You Never Knew

Do you ever feel like you have a pretty good handle on mental health, only to come across a fact that completely challenges your understanding? Have you ever wondered about the lesser known facts about mental health?

Mental health is a topic that is becoming more openly discussed, which is fantastic for mental health awareness. However, there are still many persistent myths and misconceptions that need to be addressed. That’s why I’m excited to share 7 lesser known facts about mental health that may just surprise you.

From the myths about anxiety and depression to the universal impact of mental health conditions, get ready to have your perceptions shifted. Mental health is a vast and fascinating topic, and there is always more for us to learn.

So if you’re ready to challe



Up Next

“Why Do Men Never Express Emotions”? A Closer Look At Men’s Mental Health

Men's Mental Health: Where Are We At

Men’s mental health concerns are hardly brought out in the open. How often do you see men expressing their mental health struggles? Comparatively, men seek much less mental health treatment than women do.

If you look inside your family, you won’t spot a single male member who has ever expressed their emotions. Instead, you will find most males always maintaining a stoic posture, abiding by the general law of “ Manning- Up.”

In fact, men have been socially conditioned to make their mental health struggles seem invisible. Do men hide their



Up Next

How Work Depression Can Impact Your Life And What To Do

What is Work Depression and How To Deal with It

Does being at work feel like a prison sentence? Is it becoming increasingly difficult to perform your tasks and meet deadlines? Does your job feel like a heavy cloud hanging over you? If so, you may be experiencing the unspoken reality of work depression.

While most of us become burnt out from time to time due to the daily grind, work depression can be much severe and can seriously affect your career and life. Let us explore what is work depression, its signs, causes, and the profound impact it can have on mental health. 

But most importantly, we will also learn about some valuable strategies to cope with depression in the workplace, enabling you to find a sense of balance and well-being in your professional life.

What is W



Up Next

8 Deep Depression Poems That Can Help You Stay Strong During Tough Times

Deep Depression Poems: Discovering Strength In The Shadows

Amid life’s stormy seas, when your despair threatens to overwhelm you, finding solace in the power of words can feel like a lifesaver. For centuries, poetry has been able to capture our raw emotions and illuminate our inner struggles. Today we are going to do a deep dive into some of the best and deep depression poems that will tug at your heartstrings and help guide you towards the light.

These depression poems has the ability to help you understand just how resilient you are, and all you need to do is get in touch with your resilient side. These poems tell stories of pain, hope, and the unwavering strength that emerges from even the darkest corners of our hearts.

Let’s explore some of the most impactful and deep depression poems that can help you get in touch with your vulnerable and strong side.



Up Next

Understanding The Sylvia Plath Effect: How Mental Turmoil Fuels Artistic Brilliance

The Sylvia Plath Effect: How Mental Turmoil Fuels Artistic Brilliance

Poets have long been seen as depressed souls. But why? Is there a deep connection between creativity and mental illnesses? Why do writers and poets who can create such  greatest works of art, literature, and poetry struggle with depression? Letโ€™s delve into the world of writers grappling with the Sylvia Plath Effect.

Creativity is a blessing that each and every writer is always grateful for. But it can also be a curse for some. Why? Writers and poets think deeply. They feel everything from the core of their heart. 

They are sensitive souls who often repress their own emotions and pour it out on the page, expressing their deepest thoughts and feelings, and joys and sorrows through their work.



Up Next

Depressed Overeating: 7 Tricks That Can Help You Stop Overeating When Depressed

Depressed Overeating: Ways You Can Stop Overeating

Struggling with the dark cloud of depression is tough enough on its own, but when it comes hand in hand with overeating, it can feel like an endless cycle of despair. I am talking about depressed overeating.

We’ve all been there, finding solace in that extra slice of red velvet cake or the bottom of a bag of deep fried cheese balls, only to be left with a mix of guilt, shame and physical discomfort.

However, the good news is that there are certain things you can do to break free from the clutches of depressed overeating. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and all you have to do is have faith in yourself.

Before we delve into the strategies that can help you put a stop to depressed overeating, let’s find out the link between depression and overeating.