Unfortunately, depression may lead to feelings of extreme loneliness and alienation, which can make any connection difficult. Debilitating fatigue and hopelessness are common symptoms of depression, which may be highly unpleasant for two people in a relationship. Depression and relationships are connected. Sometimes a person's depression is triggered by the relationship itself. Even if a person's relationship is pleasant, he or she might suffer from depression. Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, as well as persistent melancholy and increased irritation. Approximately 1 in every 6 Americans suffers from these symptoms on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, major depression may have a far-reaching influence on family and friends, as well as ruin employment and relationships. 

Relationships may be a source of happiness or discontent, but they can also be a cause of strife. This has the potential to affect people's mental health.

Your relationship seems hopeless to you - One of the most important indicators of depression and suicidal thoughts is a sense of despair. Feeling pessimistic about your relationship's future doesn't imply you're doomed. Instead, the cognitive distortion that frequently occurs with sadness may be tricking your thinking into believing that the future is dismal and that things will never improve. Depression might be the cause of your relationship's problems. A large number of studies has demonstrated how depression is inextricably linked to relationships in a cyclical fashion: Depression has an impact on the quality of your relationships, and the characteristics of your relationship can have an impact on your depression level.

Emotions appear to be the adversary - Most of us struggle with unpleasant feelings, but those who are depressed have a particularly difficult time dealing with them. When powerful emotions occur, they tend to feel overwhelmed by the strength of their emotions and shut down. This indicates that when conflict develops in a relationship–which it always does–you're less prepared to cope with issues that generate powerful emotions. You have the option of completely withdrawing from your lover or pushing the matter and exploding.

Minimizing negative effects of depression on relationships - Social support can be a useful strategy for coping with depression symptoms. There are things you may do if you start to see symptoms that you're retreating from friends or having trouble maintaining connections with partners. We encounter a lot of couples who are dealing with depression. While therapy is not a cure in and of itself, working with someone who knows how depression affects relationships may be quite beneficial.

Better Communication - This is something we promote in all types of counseling, but it's especially essential when dealing with depression. Mental health difficulties can put a strain on a relationship, but they can be alleviated by talking freely and honestly about what each person is struggling with. The psychologist will facilitate this process by ensuring that each spouse has the opportunity to talk and be heard.

Make an effort to connect on your own terms - If you're unable to socialize as a result of your sadness, look for other methods to interact. Maintaining healthy social relationships may be as simple as talking on the phone, texting, or using other kinds of internet contact. Let your spouse know that you might need some alone time to unwind and process your feelings.

If you or a member of your family is suffering from depression, certified psychologists at Coast Psychological Services, Los Angeles can provide you and your loved ones with aid and support. 

Dr. Liana Georgoulis

Coast Psychological Services

3600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 912

Los Angeles, CA, 90010

(310) 801-1711