Many residents of Ohio battle depression on a daily basis. Some of them are married, which means their issues can impact their marriage. In some cases, depression can lead to divorce.
Symptoms of depression
Although everyone occasionally feels depressed, there’s a significant difference between merely feeling blue and suffering from depression. It’s a mental health condition that results in constant sadness, irritability, feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest and enjoyment in things you would normally consider fun. Depression also results in symptoms like feelings of emptiness, sleep problems, aches and pains and even suicidal thoughts.
How depression can affect marriage
Considering the darkness and heaviness of depression’s symptoms, it’s only natural that if you’re suffering, it would affect your spouse and your marriage. In many cases, the partner of a person with depression describes them as having a complete personality change. As a result, problems could arise. Your depression definitely impacts your spouse, who probably wants to help and be there for you but might feel at a loss.
Unfortunately, conflict can occur when one spouse is experiencing depression. This can cause a rift and lead to an eventual divorce. While many people don’t want a marital split, if the depressed spouse is not proactive and looks for help, it could happen.
There are options to help
If you’re married and experiencing depression, it’s up to you to take the first step toward seeking help. Your spouse could nudge you but can’t force you. Seeing your doctor can lead to a possible solution as you can be referred to a therapist and either individual or couples counseling.
Medication for your depression could also help. Antidepressants often work wonders to improve your mood by stabilizing a variety of chemicals in your brain. These options might even save your marriage and get you and your spouse to a healthier, happier state.
Depression doesn’t have to end with you and your spouse in divorce court. There are options available to help you save and strengthen your relationship.