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
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