Depression is a feeling of dejection; a feeling that drains your energy, hope, and self-drive. It hinders your chances of excellence. Being depressed means that you are unable to comfort yourself or even see value in your own existence. Sometimes it’s even hard to exercise or socialize when depressed. The good thing is that with a supportive partner, the effects of depression can be alleviated. Here are the 5 ways of how your partner can help you deal with depression.
1. Acquire necessary education
Your partner needs to learn everything related to depression, from its causes, symptoms, control, to treatment. This will help him/her not to mistake your situation for laziness or pretense. He/she need to be aware that depression is a real biological problem- an illness with available treatment options that ought to be pursued. With the right education, your partner will understand that suicide is a real risk and will, therefore, keep your environment safe (remove any alcohol, pills or guns) as they can trigger suicidal thoughts.
2. Always be available
Your partner needs to hold you close and listen to you as you share your feelings. They may offer to help you with making appointments with a life coach or a counselor and temporarily take over some of your daily chores until your condition improves. He/she will assure you that he/she is there for you in whichever way you need him/her during your recovery period. Being there for you also means handling the bills on your behalf.
Since isolation and loneliness escalate depression levels, your partner can keep you busy by engaging you in social activities and selected outdoor activities. He/she can introduce you to new friends to enhance your support network. And because he/she might not always be there for you, he/she can acquire a pet for you just in case you need emotional support when he/she is away.
3. Helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle
You need to maintain a healthy diet and lead a healthy lifestyle in order to beat depression fast. But that is not always easy when your mind is troubled. With a supportive partner, however, he/she will guide you as you set personal workout limits and as you plan your diet. If you aren’t sleeping right, say you are oversleeping or not sleeping at all due to stress, they will challenge you to change your sleeping habits and help you through the process. When depression boxes you to the corner, he/she will help you try out varied relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness.
Your partner is the best-placed person to re-introduce former hobbies and favorite sports to you now that you don’t feel like engaging in them anymore. He/she can rekindle your passion for music, art, writing, or whatever used to make you happy. If you previously kept fit by engaging in outdoor activities, he/she can plan a trip to Florida for both of you where you will swim and exercise as much as you want. You can even spend a few nights in a vacation rental, preferably one with a gym, theatre or sports arena. Anything that will help you relax and engage in the right physical activities is fine.
4. Regulating your negative thoughts
Depression affects everything negatively, including your life expectations. A supportive partner will play a huge role in helping you review your mind frame. Your partner’s responsibility here is to help you balance your thoughts and bring back your optimism towards life. He/she will help you set realistic and achievable targets so as to avoid failures. Note that failure is an unwanted recipe for increased depression.
5. Seek treatment
Depression is treatable, so your partner should help you get medication. Arranging for appointments either with a life coach, a counselor, or a doctor is crucial. He/she can assure you that seeking help is an ideal option.
Conclusion
Your partner is of immeasurable help when you are depressed. You cannot ignore the importance of having someone by your side at a time when you cannot even trust your thoughts. If you don’t have a partner, it will help if you’d find someone who will ensure that you live in a safe environment and help you get your social back by initiating social engagements for you.