5 Proven Tips on How to Date Someone with Depression
Depression is a mental illness that affects how you feel, think, and act. Depression is often characterized by vast waves of sadness that make you lose interest in activities you enjoyed before. The good news is that depression is treatable by medicine and therapy. The two can work separately or combined depending on the intensity of the illness. Dating someone with depression can often feel like you are walking on eggshells if you do not know what to do. In this article, you will read how to date someone with depression.
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What is the Biggest Cause of Depression?
Below are some of the factors that cause depression:
- Abuse – Abuse such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse can lead to depression.
- Medications – Certain medications such as isotretinoin and corticosteroids increase the risk of depression by interfering with your hormones.
- Loss – Grief brought by the loss of a loved one can make you prone to depression and other mental illnesses.
- Gender – The chances of women to suffer from depression are high compared to men. Women go through different hormonal changes increasing their chances of falling into depression.
- Genes – Depression is a complex trait that can be easily passed down through hereditary genes.
- Substance Abuse – Over 30 percent of people involved in substance abuse suffer from clinical depression.
What Do You Need to Know About Anyone with Depression?
People with depression can be unpredictable at times. It can get challenging to understand them when the waves of sadness, guilt, or feeling of being a worthless kick in. You need to realize that you cannot keep on walking on eggshells around them because that will escalate the feelings of guilt even more.
Be it a partner, sibling, friend, or parent suffering from depression, being, therefore, is what matters most to them. Do not try to give them advice but instead aim to encourage them and show them you care. When dating someone with depression, encourage them to seek therapy without making them feel like they are broken. Saying things like “you should see a therapist” or “you need help” rubs them the wrong way.
Recognizing Relationship Depression
Relationship depression is a term commonly used to describe depression that arises due to difficulties in a relationship. At times, complicated relationships trigger depression, and other times you can have depression even when you are in a happy relationship. Most people view relationships as a source of contentment and happiness, but they can also breed conflict, contributing mainly to your mental health. Some factors in relations that can cause relationship depression are:
- Infidelity
- Long-distance relationships
- Abuse
- Breakups
- Lack of trust
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What Can You Do About It (Applies to Men and Women)?
Having relationship depression or having a partner going through it can be challenging at times. The following are some guidelines on how to date someone with depression:
Ensure You Are Informed
There is no better way to support your partner than knowing what they are suffering from. Learn everything you need to know about depression, how to talk to someone with depression symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression. If your partner is seeing a doctor, ensure you seek advice from the doctor.
Learn to Separate Facts from Myths
There are several myths surrounding depression and mental illnesses in general. It is crucial for you to listen to your partner when they tell you they are down and validate their emotions and feelings instead of ignoring them. People with depression tend to have suicidal thoughts, so do not take it lightly if they say they feel suicidal.
Show Your Partner that You Care
Demonstrating your love to your partner goes a long way, especially when they feel like they are not worthy of love or like they are alone. Do the little things that your partner loves, like getting them coffee or flowers, taking them out to lunch or dinner, or even watching a movie with them.
How to Take Care of Yourself when Dating Someone with Depression?
Living with someone with depression can often make you feel helpless, angry, frustrated, or upset. You can take care of yourself by:
Seeking Help
Do not feel guilty when seeking help. Depression therapy and counseling can offer you several answers on living with someone with depression. Talking to someone can also help you avoid being overwhelmed by the frustration of helplessness.
Setting Healthy and Clear Boundaries
At times your partner might behave in ways that upset you or say things that hurt you. You need to communicate with your partner and let them know what does not work for you. However, you need to communicate lovingly without making them feel guilty.
Conclusion
Learning how to date someone with depression can be a challenging exercise. You will require patience and help from friends, family, and qualified professionals. Call us at Mango Clinic on +1(786) 422-9327 for any questions you have regarding depression and mental health in general. We will hold your hand and guide you. We also offer therapy and treatment for people with depression and other mental illnesses.
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