When you love someone who struggles with depression, it can be very painful to face rejection from your partner. Depression can lead to emotional withdrawal, disinterest in intimacy, and distancing, which often manifests as a rejection of your support and affection. In these situations, it is essential to understand that depression does not reflect the love that your partner feels for you, but rather a difficult emotional process that your partner is going through.
In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide 10 tips for those who find themselves in a relationship with someone facing depression and experiencing their rejection.
Index
- Compassionate communication
- Research about depression
- Take care of your own limits
- Professional Help
- try to be patient
- Be your source of stability
- Suggest activities
- Listen without judging
- Celebrate small achievements
- Take care of yourself
Compassionate communication.
First of all, if your partner has depression it is important
Promotes a safe environment where you can share your thoughts and emotions freely. Depression can be a difficult burden to bear, and compassionate communication can alleviate some of that weight, giving your partner a space to express themselves without fear of rejection.
In this article we tell you How to help a person with depression.
Research depression.
Researching and learning about depression will allow you to better understand the difficulties your partner faces. The information will help you identify symptoms and understand how it affects mood, the energy and behavior of your partner. By learning more about depression, you will be able to provide more informed and empathetic support.
Besides, learn about available treatments and coping strategies will allow you to be a more effective ally in your partner's recovery process. This education will help create an environment of understanding and support in your relationship.
Take care of your own limits.
While it's important to be supportive, you should also make sure to protect your own emotional health. Set limits It will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the situation. Recognize when you need time for yourself and allow yourself to rest and recharge. Don't demand more from yourself than you can give And above all, understand that you can't solve your partner's depression completely, and it's okay to seek additional support if you feel like you're emotionally drained.
Ultimately, maintaining a balance between supporting your loved one and taking care of your well-being is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship.
Professional Help.
If you are not yet in the hands of experts, encourage your partner to seek professional help It is a crucial step in your recovery and can make a big difference. For this reason, offer your help to find a therapist or psychiatrist and offer to accompany him to sessions if you feel more comfortable.
Therapy can provide effective tools and strategies to face depression. Additionally, support from a professional can be essential to understanding and managing symptoms. Remember that you do not have to face this situation alone.
Try to be patient.
Patience is essential when your partner is struggling with depression. Recovery does not happen overnight and it is essential that you understand that significant changes take time. Depression is a battle that your partner is fighting and, although it is natural that you want to see improvements immediate, it is important to understand that recovery is a gradual process and that each person needs different times.
Be patient and offer your constant support. Celebrating even small gains and achievements can be encouraging to your partner and reinforce their motivation to overcome depression. Together, you can face this challenge with love, understanding and time.
Be their source of stability.
In the midst of the fight against depression, the stability and routine They can become crucial anchors for your partner. Maintaining structure in daily life can provide a sense of security and predictability, essential elements for those facing this disorder. Try to maintain regular schedules for meals, rest and activities, and make sure your home is a quiet and orderly place.
The feeling of stability can counteract the uncertainty and chaos that often accompanies depression, and your support in creating that environment will be a great help to your partner.
Suggest activities.
Doing activities together can be a valuable strategy when your partner is dealing with depression. Although they may not show interest at first, patiently encourage participation in activities that you used to enjoy together can help you regain connection and a sense of normality. Going for a walk, watching a movie, cooking together, or doing any other enjoyable activity can be beneficial.
However, it is essential to remember that your partner may not always be in a position to participate, and it is important to rrespect your limits and don't push. The key is to offer options, but also understand if you decide not to join them.
Listen without judging.
Offering understanding and non-judgmental listening will help your partner express themselves freely, sharing their feelings and thoughts. This will give you a safe space to vent and be able to alleviate the emotional burden that depression entails.
In these cases, it is important to remember that you're not there to solve all their problems, but to be your support and company. Showing understanding and empathy can strengthen your bond and help your partner feel less alone in their fight against depression.
Celebrate small achievements.
Celebrating small achievements is an essential part of supporting your partner who is dealing with depression. Even everyday tasks can become a challenge when someone struggles with this disorder. Recognizing and celebrating each achievement, no matter how small it may seem, can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and motivation. Whether it's completing a chore, taking a walk, or just getting out of bed on a tough day, every step counts.
Your support and encouragement are essential for your partner to feel valued and understood on their path to recovery.
Take care of yourself.
In the midst of providing support to your partner with depression, don't forget to take care of your own mental health. You may feel overwhelmed by the situation, which is completely understandable. Seek support if you need it, whether in the form of conversations with a trusted friend or even considering talking to a therapist.
It's important to recognize your own emotions and limits, and give yourself permission to take care of yourself. By doing so, you will be in a better position to give him the support he needs and together deal with the difficulties that depression poses in the relationship. If you want to know more information about this topic you can also read My partner has depression: what do I do?
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to act if my partner with depression rejects me, we recommend that you enter our category of Feelings.
Bibliography
- Cano, S. g. (1995). Psychotherapy of depression. Psychiatry (Mexico, D.F.), 11(3), 84-94. https://biblat.unam.mx/es/revista/psiquiatria-mexico-d-f/articulo/psicoterapia-de-la-depresion
- Ibor, M. YO. L. (2007). Anxiety and depression, emotional reactions to the disease. Anals Of Internal Medicine, 24(5). https://doi.org/10.4321/s0212-71992007000500001
- Muñoz, A. C., Madrigal, M. J., and Mancipe, D. R. (2011). Coping strategies used by older adults with depressive disorders. Annals in Gerontology, 6(6), 31-49. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/6140291.pdf
- RethinkDepression. (2022). How do I help someone with depression? | Rethink Depression. Rethink Depression. http://www.rethinkdepression.es/ayudar-a-alguien-con-depresion/
