How Depression Impacts Relationships: Thoughts From A Couples Therapist
Depression is something many people struggle with. It can be hard to admit that this is what you’re experiencing because mental illness sometimes can feel like a sign of weakness. Depression can impact many things in our life. It impacts our mood, sleeps, our ability to feel good, and it also can impact our relationships.
When one person or both people in a relationship struggle with depression, it can present some challenges. When we feel depressed it might even be difficult to read this post because we are vulnerable to anything that might feel like criticism. Depression is something that can have a profound impact on a relationship and gaining more awareness around how you or your partner may be responding as a result of it, can help you in your response.
Depression is not something you just get over.
It’s important to recognize that we all have down days where we feel more depressed than others. Keep in mind that depression is something with a greater impact than a few bad days. There are many treatment options for depression and for many people medication, therapy, and other coping skills can make it far more manageable. However, expecting your partner to just snap out of it isn’t realistic nor is it helpful.
Ways depression can impact a relationship.
Socially Isolative
When someone is experiencing depression they may start to spend more time alone. They might not feel up to spending time with friends and family. If your partner is experiencing depressive symptoms, they may be prone to spend more time with you This can obviously be a lonely experience for both partners in different ways.
2. Less Open in Communication
People that are depressed may not be as open about their feelings or willing to engage in communication. This can be hard on a relationship as it may be difficult to know what your partner is experiencing. Healthy communication is an essential part of a healthy relationship, and an absence of this can put a strain on the relationship.
3. Decreased sex drive
For some people experiencing depression, they can have low libido. Your partner may not be as interested in sex when they are feeling depressed. This might decrease your ability to feel connected as a result of less frequent sexual intimacy. The less sexual connection may lead to more connection overall in the relationship.
4. Lack of motivation
Another symptom of depression may be a lack of motivation. Your partner may feel less motivated to do things. This might mean they don’t want to go out, they might not be as inclined to do things around the house that you are used to them doing. This can impact the relationship when the other partner might feel they are doing the majority of the work or aren’t having their needs met to spend time together.
5. More sensitive to what feels like criticism
As we previously stated, when a partner is depressed they may be more sensitive in general. You might notice greater irritability or moodiness. They may be more sensitive in general and may perceive what you say as criticism. This can impact the relationship when one person feels they have to walk on eggshells because what they say might be not be perceived accurately.
How can marriage counseling in Utah help?
Marriage counseling can be helpful for partners to be able to reconnect and improve their communication. It can be a place to have difficult conversations about how depression is impacting the relationship and to find better ways to help. Marriage counseling might be especially helpful in learning to understand what your partner is going through, and for them to understand how their depression feels for you.
Marriage counseling can help you learn to connect again
It’s important to be still able to find ways to connect in a relationship despite the depression. Marriage counseling can help reestablish this connection and help partners not to internalize each other’s actions.
Begin marriage counseling near Provo, Utah
Depression doesn’t have to keep coming between you and your spouse. Marriage counseling can help you feel understood and accepted in your relationship. This Utah County Counseling clinic has a couples therapist specializing in marriage counseling. To begin counseling, follow these steps:
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation
Schedule a first session to work with a couples therapist
Begin marriage counseling
Online marriage counseling in Utah
I realize it’s hard to interrupt your work day, get in the car to travel to an appointment, or even find a therapist who fits your needs and lives close to you. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah, so you don’t have to worry about all of that. It’s safe, secure, convenient, and just as effective as an in-person session.
Online therapy also means that if you are located in Logan, St. George, Heber City, or Cedar City, you can still access mental health services using an online therapist.
Other mental health services provided by Marcus Hunt Therapy
Marriage counseling isn’t the only mental health service provided by this Provo Area Counseling Center. Other mental health services Marcus Hunt Therapy provides include anxiety therapy, therapy for men, PTSD treatment, EMDR and trauma therapy, LDS marriage counseling, and premarital counseling in Utah.
About the Author
Marcus Hunt is a marriage and family therapist at Marcus Hunt Therapy outside of Provo, Utah. Marcus wants couples to understand the impact depression can have on their marriages. He received his bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University in behavioral science with an emphasis in family studies. He completed his master’s in marriage and family therapy from Abilene Christian University. Marcus believes that a marriage should be your healthiest and happiest relationship, and reaching out for help might be the best decision you ever make.