What you need to know about dating someone with depression

Dating a depressed person is hard and complicated (God bless you). Symptoms of mental disorder become a major factor in your relationship. It’s not uncommon to feel stressed and anxious about navigating the highs and lows that come with depression.

Your relationship may have to deal with a lot of unique challenges that you might not have anticipated before. Watching someone you love struggle so hard to stay healthy can become stressful and emotionally draining in the long run. This is why you need all the necessary information to help you get through these tough times.

Here’s what you need to know about dating someone with depression

1. Depression is not something they choose.

What you need to know about dating someone who is depressed is to be aware of the fact that they didn’t choose to wake up one good day feeling depressed. Depression is a real mental illness. It’s sadness and emptiness combined with hours of not feeling anything at all. They may struggle to accomplish basic tasks and feel unable to find joy in the things they have always loved. So, please don’t blame them for depression.

Read more: How do you ask someone if they are okay

2. Learn more about depression.

Due to the way the world around us treats mental illness, it is common for there to be myths and misconceptions about the condition. Learning to distinguish between myths and facts about depression can play a big role in how well you can support your partner.

You will be more prepared to provide support when you properly understand the full scope of depression and how it affects people.

3. Have honest conversations.

This is important in every relationship and especially important when dating someone with depression. Try to have open conversations with them about how they are feeling. This will give them a safe space to be vulnerable and honest about what they are going through. Freely expressing their feelings will empower them and help in their recovery.

4. Take care of yourself too.

There will be days when you may feel frustrated or overwhelmed. So an integral part of what to know about dating someone with depression is realizing that it’s a good thing. It’s okay to have days when you’re emotionally exhausted. This is why it is so important that you take care of yourself as well while looking after your partner’s well-being.

You need to discover ways you can show your love and support for them without sacrificing your mental health. You are allowed to take some time off and focus on yourself without feeling guilty. Think of it as a way of self-preservation. If you can’t be there for yourself, you won’t be able to fully support your partner either.

Read more: 45 Simple Examples of Self-Care Practices.

conclusion:

Loving someone is accepting them as they are. This acceptance plays an even more important role when dating someone with depression. Hopefully with this list of “what to know about dating someone with depression” you may be able to get through this difficult time with your partner and come out stronger together.

Dating someone with depression can eventually affect you. Getting the right professional help to deal with these times may help. Finding the right help is made even easier with our online treatment platforms. To learn more about it, click over here.

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