5 Ways to Offer Support When Your Spouse Is Depressed

While depression can wreak havoc on a relationship, it can also strengthen a couple’s bond. Clinical psychologist Adam Borland, PsyD, shares how you can help a depressed spouse — and yourself — so you can get through the tough times, together.

Signs your partner is dealing with depression

Looking for early signs of depression in your partner can feel like a game of “Where’s Waldo?” — subtle clues are often hidden in the background noise of the daily grind.

“That’s where proximity comes into play. You see this person on a daily, if not hourly basis, so you have to be aware of small changes that take place over time,” Dr. Borland explains. “These are things that you’ll recognize and say, ‘Hmm, that seems out of character.’”

Signs of depression in your partner might include changes in:

• Communication: Are they pulling away from you? Or do they seem more on edge?
• Substance use: Have they increased their alcohol intake? Are they experimenting with illicit substances?
• Mood: Are they more irritable than normal? Are they crying a lot?
• Sleep: Are they sleeping more, or less, than usual?

How to help a partner with depression

If you suspect your partner is dealing with depression, Dr. Borland recommends these five action items:

1. Encourage your partner to seek professional help

Depression is treatable. So rather than ignoring the problem or trying to fix it yourselves, enlist the help of a primary care doctor or psychiatrist.

Depression can be hard to talk about. It helps to work on assertive communication. Share your feelings and concerns without playing the blame game. Start sentences with “I” statements that focus on your feelings, such as, “I noticed,” or, “I’m worried.” Talk openly about symptoms you’ve seen and how you want to help.

2. Work as a team

Marriage is a team sport — both in good times and bad. “We don’t want partners to branch away from one another,” says Dr. Borland. “To avoid this, it’s important to show unconditional support. Express things like, ‘I’m in this with you. You’re not going to scare me. I’m not going to allow you to push me away.’”

If talk therapy is part of your partner’s treatment, join their first few sessions — or more. Your partner may also want you to participate in meetings about medications.

“Being depressed can be scary,” Dr. Borland relates. “Your spouse will benefit from all the support you can offer.”

3. Practice self-care

Maintain your own health and well-being. You may also benefit from your own outpatient therapy. “This is not you being selfish; it’s making sure that you have enough in your tank to help your partner and family,” Dr. Borland reassures. “You need to carve out time for yourself without feeling guilty.”

4. Don’t take it personally

Depression isn’t anyone’s fault. Give your partner a sense of security and support even when they’re acting out. This takes patience and commitment — but it’s worth the effort.

“Respond to your partner’s anger or frustration with assertive communication,” Dr. Borland says. ‘‘Say things like, ‘I see that you’re angry. I see that you’re sad. But remember I’m here whenever you need to talk, and I’m not going anywhere.’”

5. Educate yourself

Your partner needs patience and unconditional love. Learning about depression and the treatments that are available makes it easier to display both. You’re also able to speak from a place of knowledge and better understand the ebb and flow of the treatment process.

How to strengthen your relationship

To make your relationship the best it can be, Dr. Borland recommends attending couples counseling and doing small activities together regularly, whether that’s cooking a meal, seeing a movie or tackling a neglected DIY project

Depression is like a leaky basement. So work on repairing the cracks and other damage to your foundation to prevent irreparable harm. You can strengthen and protect your relationship — even in the face of depression.