Recognizing Depression Symptoms with Your Partner
When we notice changes in our partner’s mood and behavior, we may first jump to the conclusion, “Oh no, what did I do that upset them?” Depression can look different in everyone and can affect the way we think, act, and feel. Depression can happen for a number of reasons including significant or major life changes, chemical imbalances in the brain, or there’s genetic history of depression diagnosed in your family.
Signs to Watch Out For:
Changing mood swings or persistent moods of feeling irritable, sad, anxious, or “empty”
Decreased energy or restlessness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Disinterest or loss of interest in sexual activity
Changes in eating patterns, such as overeating or not eating enough
Changes in sleep pattern including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Continuous feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism, or worthlessness
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
How Can I Help My Partner?
Ways to Support Your Partner
Sometimes, we may feel like it’s not our place to say anything, or we may feel like we don’t know exactly what to do or say when we notice signs in our partner they may be suffering from depression. While we are not responsible for getting our partner out of a depressive state, we can do various things to be supportive of our partners through their experience. These things include helping them take the necessary steps to seek help, such as encouragement for them to reach out to a professional health care or mental health care provider for psychotherapy and/or medication treatment, providing active listening and validation of their experience, or encouraging them to engage in low-pressure activities such as taking a walk.
Communication is also an extremely important part of maintaining healthy boundaries with your partner. Choosing how we say things can change the whole perception of our partners. Being affirming and not accusatory can be the difference in your partner feeling safe to confide their feelings regarding their depression and how it’s presenting itself. Some helpful statements to use could be “You seem like you might be having a hard time. Is there anything I can do to support you?”
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Needs is Supporting Your Partner
You are not responsible for your partner’s depression. Now go back and read that sentence again one more time for me. Got it? Good. When a loved one is battling with depression, we can feel helpless or useless to their needs. Remember that your partner’s depression is not a reflection of you. It can be super easy to jump to this conclusion and assume you are doing something wrong, aren’t doing enough, or somehow, it’s your fault. Thinking this way isn’t helpful for you or your partner and could worsen the situation for both of you. Practicing self-care, and even seeing your own therapist, can help you maintain healthy habits. You cannot always be supportive of someone if you yourself are not feeling your best.
Begin Working With A Depression Therapist in Miami, FL
If you or your partner are noticing signs and symptoms of depression, contact us at Miami Vibes Counseling Center today to schedule a consultation or appointment with one of our therapists. You can start your therapy journey with our Miami, FL-based practice by following these simple steps:
Schedule an appointment with one of our caring therapists.
Start learning new tips for overcoming SAD
Other Services Offered With Miami Vibes Counseling
We are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health concerns in addition to depression treatment. Miami Vibes Counseling Center offers support for children, adults, parents, couples, and families. This includes counseling for grief, life transitions, spirituality, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. Some of the techniques we use include ACT therapy, CBT therapy, and TF-CBT. All of these services are available both in person and through online therapy.
Resources
If you or your partner are struggling with suicidal thoughts and need immediate help, here are resources for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24/7): 9-8-8 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line (available 24/7): Text HOME to 741741
Miami-Dade County 24hr Crisis Hotline: 305-774-3616 / 305-774-3617
Broward County 24hr Crisis Hotline: 954-463-0911
Palm Beach County 24hr Crisis Hotline: 561-383-5777
NAMI Helpline (available 9am - 5pm): 1-800-950-6264
