How does depression affect marriage? If one or both partners in a marriage suffers from depression, there is almost always a harmful impact on the relationship. The symptoms of one person’s depression can become the symptoms of the marriage, so that both partners feel irritable, disconnected, and hopeless about the future. Unfortunately, if the depression is not identified and treated, it can lead to the break-up of the marriage before there’s an opportunity for intervention and healing. Accessing depression treatment in Boston at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is a first step toward healing the individual and the marriage.
What does depression look like in a marriage?
Many spouses end up in couples therapy, convinced their marriage is broken. Unable to connect or communicate, they seek help as a last resort. In many cases, the toxicity within the marriage has developed because one partner is dealing with depression.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression can directly impact the connection between spouses.
Anhedonia
This lack of emotional response to things that once brought pleasure and joy can often lead someone to wonder if they no longer love their spouse. They don’t feel the positives of their connection, but it turns out it’s not because of a lack of love but a direct symptom of depression.
Irritability
Another common symptom of depression is irritability. In a marriage, if someone is frequently inexplicably irritable, it takes its toll on the relationship.
Alcohol or drug misuse
Turning to substances to self-medicate symptoms of depression is common. When using drugs or drinking too much becomes an issue, that impacts the marriage, but the underlying depression needs to be addressed first and foremost.
Negative thinking
Depression often leads to someone’s thoughts circling around worst-case scenarios. Negativity can lead to feeling both critical and hopeless, conditions that harm the connection between spouses.
Loss of motivation
People who are depressed are exhausted and often feel apathetic and lethargic. Depression means they aren’t able to use logic to simply change those feelings. When one spouse cannot participate fully in the practical matters of life together, it puts a strain on the relationship.
Decreased libido
Depression often affects the libido, which in a marriage can be mistaken for loss of sexual desire for a partner for other reasons, putting strain on the connection.
The symptoms of depression, when not identified, can look like a disengaged partner who wants out of the marriage. Their spouse may believe the love has gone from the relationship.
The cycle of hopelessness triggered by one partner’s depression can have a devastating effect, but help is out there. If any of this sounds familiar, be reassured—you don’t need to give up on your marriage or one another.
Depression treatment can help your marriage
Once you have identified that one of you is experiencing depression, there are things you can do to support one another and heal the marriage.
- Understand the different symptoms of depression, which are not the same for everyone.
- Be open about how it affects both of you, without judgment or agenda.
- Have strategies for coping with depression so that its harm isn’t amplified by misunderstanding or self-isolation.
- Hold tight to compassion and lead with love.
- Seek professional depression treatment.
Both in marriage counseling and individual therapy for both parties, you will be able to move forward in healing your marriage. The effects of depression on a marriage don’t need to be permanent. When you receive professional help:
- Communication improves
- Conflict is reduced
- Mutual empathy grows
- Honesty and vulnerability are rewarded
- Emotional and physical intimacy returns
Don’t expect perfection right out of the starting gate. Be patient and set reasonable benchmarks and expectations.
With dedication and support, rebuilding your marriage is entirely possible. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier relationship by seeking the help you both deserve.
Contact Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health to receive depression treatment in Boston
We offer evidence-based, solutions-focused therapy in both an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). These offer a high level of care while you live at home. Our goal is to meet you where you are and provide you with quality treatment in a safe setting.
Reach out today by calling 855.520.0531 or using our online contact form. We invite you and your partner to come for a visit and start the process of healing from within.