Healing Together: Strategies for Couples Dealing with Depression

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. To be completely honest, posting constantly does not seem to work. Also, publishing my pieces at 10 AM doesn’t seem to work either. Since my editor is in a different time zone (she is 11 hours ahead of me), it is sometimes hard to coordinate our schedules. As a result, it might be better to post my blogs at night, but I’m not sure yet. I am new to making schedules and sticking to them. As I’ve mentioned, I’m used to writing and posting randomly, so doing it more regularly will take some adjusting. I will try to post on Thursdays, but it might not always be at the same time.

In other news, I’ve revised my website for better access. I’ve also made some changes simply because I didn’t like how it looked and functioned. I also redid my YouTube videos after I was advised to put a touch of color on the wall visible in the background of my YouTube videos. So, my fiancé bought me a tapestry and lights to hang around it. Now, it looks nice, as you can see in the picture below. 

Without further ado, let’s get into today’s blog post, in which I will talk about dealing with depression and supporting your significant other. 

Understanding Depression and Its Impact on Relationships

Dealing with depression is hard for anyone. But dealing with depression when you are in a relationship can be even more challenging. You have to figure out how to support your significant other through their depression and other difficulties. One of the things people go through is isolation and misunderstandings. It’s essential to recognize that depression is not one-sided; it can affect both partners in a relationship. That’s why understanding the symptoms of depression is crucial.

Depression can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. It can cause conflict in a relationship, making it necessary to approach the situation with compassion and patience. It’s vital to understand that depression is a psychological and mental condition, not a personal choice. 

Open Communication: The Key to Connection

Open communication is essential in every relationship, particularly in a romantic one. Practicing open communication is even more crucial when dealing with depression. Couples dealing with depression should create a safe space for each other where they can express their feelings without fear of judgment. Talking about your feelings and what you’re going through is healing. Going over the struggles, as well as the small victories that come with managing depression, can be highly beneficial.

There are several ways to develop healthy, open communication. For example, try setting aside regular times to talk with your significant other to ensure both partners feel heard and understood. Make sure to listen to one another to strengthen your relationship. 

When my fiancé and I first started dating, I was afraid to talk to him about my feelings. Now, we’ve developed solid communication skills, and things have improved. 

Building a Supportive Environment for Healing

It is imperative to be in a supportive environment to heal from depression. That’s why it’s helpful to surround yourself with friends and family members who have your best interest at heart. Additionally, creating a routine can promote healing and mental well-being. For example, you can try exercising, journaling, or something completely different that works for you. Couples should work together to identify stressors in their lives and find ways to minimize them.

You should also express your appreciation for each other and celebrate one another’s achievements. If you think positively, there is less chance that you will think negatively. That way, you can decrease your risk of feeling depressed. 

Engaging in Activities Together to Boost Mood

Participating in enjoyable activities can help couples reconnect and improve their mood. You can start small, but make sure to choose things you both like and enjoy doing. For instance, try taking a walk, cooking together, or engaging in a hobby. These activities provide a welcoming distraction and foster closeness.

It’s better to find activities both partners will enjoy since you will be more engaged in what you’re doing. Personally, Robert and I don’t do any walking as a couple or anything like that. For us, talking about our depression works best.

Seeking Professional Help as a Couple

Some people think getting professional help as a couple is pointless, but I disagree. It can actually be beneficial. I know it’s true from personal experience because Rob and I each have a personal counselor, and then we have a couple’s counselor together. That way, we can work on our individual issues and then on problems as a couple.

Having a therapist can help couples improve communication and help them understand one another. A healthy discussion can positively impact the couple and help partners understand each other more. 

Image Via Pexels

Navigating Depression in College

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well since I’m back with another blog post! 

As I’ve mentioned, I will try to write my blogs on Saturdays around 10:30 AM and post them every Thursday at 10 AM. I also have a quick announcement: I am working on my new YouTube channel and just finished revising my website. Now, I am writing short stories about disability and inclusion.

I haven’t figured out how often I will post my YouTube videos — right now, it will happen sporadically. Finding time to do things is hard when school takes up so much of my time.

I have six more months until graduation, and I am very excited. I might make my YouTube videos every weekend, but I don't know yet. I will let you know my plans when I figure things out. Now, let's get into today’s blog article. 

I usually talk about physical and invisible disabilities. Because of that, I have never really talked about depression. So today, I want to talk about dealing with depression in college. It’s vital to discover helpful strategies for dealing with depression so that you can have a better college experience. 

Understanding Depression in the College Context

College can be a challenging time for many students. Academic pressure, among other factors, can significantly contribute to depression. It can trigger depression symptoms and make coping with them much harder. College students are learning who they are and who they want to be, which can be both overwhelming and exciting. 

Recognizing the signs and stressors that students face is essential in acknowledging the importance of mental health care during this period. People who deal with depression can experience challenges that other people aren’t aware of. For example, they could be under a lot of pressure to succeed or deal with homesickness, financial burdens, and the challenge of balancing work and social life. All of these things can cause depression in college students.

Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Students

Depression can occur in many different ways. That’s why identifying its signs and symptoms is the most important step to asking for help. The signs could include sadness or hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Most students will exhibit a decrease in academic performance as well. When someone is depressed, their performance at school suffers. There’s also the risk they might drop out of school because they feel like their depression won’t get any better.

I went to a college in California called Ashford University (now the University of Arizona Global Campus). When I was there, I wasn't doing so well. The work was super hard, and I had more reading than I was used to. I was trying to get my BA in Child Development. I didn’t care enough to do my FAFSA, so they withdrew me because my attendance suffered.

Then, a year and a half later, I decided to go back to school and change my degree to English. Unfortunately, it only lasted a couple of months because that was when my uncle passed away. After that, I took academic leave in hopes of returning a month later, but I was still depressed. So, I dropped out again because I was unhappy. 

Long story short, I found out about Full Sail University during my journey with depression, so I applied and got in. I won’t lie; I still get depressed. But I have a better handle on it. I am in the BFA in the Creative Writing program and graduate next year. Despite my depression, I am now a member of the honors society (NSCS), thanks to my GPA above 3.0. I know how to handle my depression and am determined to get my degree. So, I am pushing through it. 

Where You Can Find Help

Since I am an online college student, I don’t have the proper help from school. I have a counselor I see twice a month. I also used to talk to someone from hospice. Some instructors are very understanding and trained to help people with depression have a smooth college experience. But not all of them are.

That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs by yourself. Some people think asking for help is a sign of weakness. But the truth is asking for help is a sign of strength. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I used to be scared to ask for help, but I’ve learned that everyone needs support sometimes. 

Self-Help Strategies for Managing Depression in College

Aside from professional help, you can use self-help strategies. When dealing with depression, you could write down your feelings or take a walk. You should also learn how to make it a regular thing to prevent future depressive episodes. You can also cook your favorite meal or dessert and do deep breathing exercises that can reduce stress. 

Having supportive friends and family members who understand what you are going through is also extremely beneficial. 

How You Can Support a Friend Dealing with Depression

If you have a friend who is struggling with depression, it is up to you to help them. When helping them, make sure you do so without judgment. Be there for them and encourage them to get professional help. 

Respecting their privacy is crucial; if they don’t want to talk about it, don’t rush them. I know when I am depressed, I don’t ask for help until I am ready. So, be understanding of others.

And one last thing: There is nothing wrong with being depressed. It’s the way you handle it that makes the difference. 

 

Image Via Pexels

Strategies for Managing Jealousy: When Living with Disability

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I’m sorry for not posting an article last week. I’m still trying my hardest to work on my blog posts once a week. I plan on writing on Saturdays to have my articles ready for my editor during the week. Then, I can publish them on Thursdays. 

I had a challenging class last month but passed with a D+. Now, I’ve started a new class that will hopefully be much better.

I also want to let you all know that I am revising my “Jhana’s Writing Journey” website. I will add new things and revise other stuff to make it better and more accessible. So, please stay tuned. Now, let’s get into today’s blog!

I’ve talked about so many things, from disability inclusion to why you should always stay true to who you are regardless of your disability. I’ve also talked about being in a relationship with a disability, but I have never discussed jealousy in a relationship when you have a disability.

Understanding the Roots of Jealousy in the Context of Disability

In my experience, jealousy usually happens when the partner with a disability is jealous of the partner without one. Jealousy occurs when you lack confidence and compassion. Jealousy can stem from various things, but it’s often a result of the differences between what the partner without a disability can do compared to the partner with one. Still, it’s important to remember that jealousy is a natural human emotion. It can happen whether a person has a disability or not, but the way you handle it is up to you. 

It’s a common misconception that only people with disabilities experience jealousy in relationships. But it is essential to understand that everyone deals with jealousy, no matter their health status. It doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not — you should find a way to deal with these feelings. Personally, I found that having a more mature and constructive response to jealousy is helpful. For example, when someone made a comment about Rob cheating on me, I retorted back, “Are you cheating on me with my evil twin Jessica?” In this case, making a joke about the situation might boost your confidence.

Building Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness and understanding, even through difficult times. It may be hard not to compare yourself to others when you have a disability. Individuals with disabilities may struggle with stigma or personal limitations. That’s why practicing self-compassion helps with accepting their disability in a relationship. 

Acceptance allows you to see through a situation without judgment, easing the burden of jealousy. Finding uniqueness in your journey takes time, but it can significantly strengthen your sense of peace and commitment. 

Creating a Supportive Community: Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

A support system helps you feel confident with your disability, improving your romantic relationship. So, make sure to surround yourself with positive people who provide encouragement. That’s another excellent way to reduce jealousy. Additionally, understanding friends and family members help boost your confidence. Since they understand your challenges, they can provide you with a nurturing environment. And that’s incredibly important.

It might also be a good idea to try support groups, both online and in person. These can help you build confidence and learn ways to manage your jealousy. After all, talking to someone who knows how you feel is a great way to cope with feelings and emotions. Sharing your experiences with others can help ease your jealousy and equip you with helpful coping techniques.

Practicing Gratitude: Shifting Focus from Lack to Abundance

Remember when I said I made a joke about Rob cheating on me? Well, joking like that helps me cope with jealousy — and it may help you, too.

Another thing you can do is focus on what you have and not what you don’t have. It’s vital to try and shift your perspective from jealousy to acceptance and appreciation. To help with this, you can keep a gratitude journal or reflect on positive aspects of life. That can significantly boost your mental well-being. 

This practice can change your mindset and help you focus more on personal achievements and joy, whether big or small. 

Utilizing Mindfulness Techniques to Manage Emotional Responses

You may want to consider meditation and deep breathing. Personally, I don’t do that anymore, but these techniques can be very beneficial. Now, I use my feelings as I write books and articles. I put all my personal feelings into my characters and the storylines. To be honest, it sometimes helps, and it sometimes doesn’t. But it doesn’t mean I will stop writing about my feelings and emotions. It’s important to let your feelings out in a healthy way, so I will continue to do so. 

Lastly, having an optimistic mindset makes you learn and grow as a person. It also helps you build a stronger, healthier relationship and makes processing jealousy easier. Plus, it may help you have a better outlook on life. 

Image via Pexels

Understanding Disability Discrimination in Relationships: Breaking the stigma

 

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. Sorry for not being consistent with my blogs, articles, and vlogs. I’ve been busy with school, and it’s been taking up most of my time lately. Last month was particularly crazy — my teacher was rigorous and took a lot of my time. I’m also worried I won’t pass this class because I didn’t clearly understand what needed to be done. Now that that class is over, I am starting a new one, which I’m very excited about. 

That said, I want you all to know I am working hard to keep my blogs going regularly. I plan to write my blogs and articles on Saturdays and publish them on Thursdays. I’m also working hard every week on my articles for another platform called Unwritten. But as I said before, it’s tough coming up with topics to write about. I continually look for articles and topics on HubSpot that can help me. So far, it is working! 

Now, let’s get into today’s topic. People with disabilities face many challenges. One of them is navigating their partner’s feelings of uncertainty and discomfort with how to support them.

Common Misconceptions About Disabilities in Dating

The misconception in the nondisabled community is that people with disabilities can’t or don’t want to be in a committed relationship. In reality, those with disabilities are capable of being in meaningful relationships and connecting just like everyone else. The only difference is that people with disabilities may do things a little differently, and their sex drive may not be like everyone else's. They sometimes are able to have sex, but other times, their bodies are too sore, or they’re simply not interested anymore. I’ve learned that saying no is okay, even if some guys don’t like hearing it.

Another misconception is that people with disabilities require constant care and won’t be independent in relationships. It isn’t true and hinders people with disabilities. It affects those with physical disabilities more, as it can cause unnecessary feelings of hurt and doubt. 

Strategies for Building an Inclusive and Supportive Partnership

The best relationships require open communication and honesty about your and your partner’s needs, wants, and desires. People with disabilities should conquer the fear of expressing their wants and needs without judgment. 

When discussing someone's disabilities, it’s always important to talk about what they are and aren’t able to do. Communication is key to having a strong relationship.

Real Stories: Overcoming Stigma in Relationships with Disabilities

Many people with disabilities may share inspiring stories about love and what they like or don’t like. These often highlight the importance of resilience and self-advocacy. 

For example, couples may reflect on how they face judgment while growing stronger and fighting against being judged. 

Advocacy and Awareness: Creating Change for Future Generations 

When you’re in a relationship, it’s crucial to advocate for people with disabilities to create change and more possibilities for other healthy relationships. It’s also important to know that people with disabilities deserve equality. It can help spread awareness and empower those who also want to be in a committed relationship.

You should support and educate people with disabilities by informing nondisabled individuals that people with disabilities can be in a relationship — they just have to do things a little differently. 

People look at me and think that because of my physical disability, I am incapable of having an intimate relationship with someone. That’s yet another stigma I have to face. My advice is to never let anyone tell you who you are and who you can become. Don’t let others tell you you’re not able to be in a relationship because of your disability. You deserve to be happy.