Depression is an illness that can take a toll on an individual’s life, but it can also have a significant impact on relationships between two people. It is a difficult and misunderstood condition that can threaten even the closest of relationships. When a person is suffering from depression, even the simplest task can seem monumental. This could mean lacking energy to maintain relationships, including those with partners, friends and family. While there is no single cause of depression, it can occur due to a variety of factors such as biological, environmental and psychological. Depression can also cause feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and other symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s ability to interact with others and can lead to damaging effects on relationships.
Depression Changes Personalities
Depression can cause vast changes in someone’s outlook and behavior. People affected by depression may feel exhausted even after a small amount of activity and appear withdrawn. They may also show signs of irritability and lack the motivation to do things they once enjoyed. This can lead to problems in relationships. People with depression tend to become very sensitive to words or actions of their partners and are prone to misinterpretation and conflict. They also may have difficulty in communicating effectively with their partners, ultimately leading to confusion and increasing levels of frustration with those around them.
It Can Bring Negative Emotions
Depression can also cause a person to feel a range of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, hopelessness and desolation. This can create tension and even hostility in relationships with long-term partners or family members. These outbursts can damage relationships and make communication more difficult, as the underlying cause of this behaviour is often not recognised by those affected. People with depression may also feel ashamed of their condition and fear the judgement of close partners, which can further strain relationships.
Lack Of Intimacy
Depression can also cause a decrease in intimate relationships, which can have drastic effects on both parties. Spending more time alone and exhibiting a lack of energy or interest in relationships can result in complete detachment from partners. This could mean a person won’t show affection nor initiative in sexual activities, and may cause feelings of distant and lack of intimacy in a relationship.
It Can Cause Lying
Depression can cause people to lie in attempt to protect their partners from their negative emotions. They may try to hide their feelings of sadness from their significant others and may express a false sense of happiness. This often leads to further feelings of guilt, shame and loss as this could serve as a form of self-sabotage, preventing communication and understanding within a relationship.
Reaching Out For Help
Depression cannot ruin a relationship. However, it can be damaging if it’s left untreated. Seeking help and support in order to manage depression can be a vital step in helping individuals as well as their partners in overcoming the symptoms of the illness. Some steps a person can take to help a partner suffering from depression include learning as much as possible about the condition, offering emotional support and being patient and understanding. Mental health professionals, such as counsellors and psychiatrists, can also be of great assistance in helping people to manage depression and prevent it from having a negative impact on their relationships.
Conclusion
People with depression and those close to them may feel overwhelmed due to its manifestations. Depression can be damaging to relationships if not addressed, however, with the right help and support, individuals can work together and learn to cope with the symptoms of the illness. With time, patience, and understanding, relationships can become stronger and healthier.