Dating someone with depression is tough and complicated (god bless you). The symptoms of the mental disorder become a key factor in your relationship. It is not uncommon to feel stressed out and anxious about navigating through the highs and lows that come with depression.
Your relationship might have to deal with a lot of unique challenges that you might not have anticipated before. Watching someone, you love dearly struggle to keep well can become taxing and emotionally draining in the longer run. That is why you need all the necessary information to help you navigate these tough times.
Here’s what to know about dating someone with depression
1. Depression is not something they choose.
What you need to know about dating someone with depression is to realize the fact that they didn’t choose to wake up one fine day and feel depressed. Depression is an actual mental illness. It is a sadness and emptiness combined with hours of feeling nothing at all. They might struggle to get the basic tasks done and feel unable to find joy in the things they have always loved. Therefore, please do not blame them for being depressed.
Read more: How To Ask Someone If They Are Okay
2. Learn more about depression.
Given the way the world around us treats mental illnesses, it is common to have myths and false beliefs about the condition. Learning to differentiate between the myths and facts regarding depression might play a massive role in how you will be able to support your partner.
You will be better equipped to provide support when you properly understand the whole spectrum of depression and how it affects people.
3. Have honest conversations.
This is an important thing in every relationship and particularly significant when you are 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 truthful about what they are going through. Freely expressing their feelings will empower them and help with their recovery.
4. Take care of yourself too.
There will be days when you might be frustrated or overwhelmed. So an integral part of what to know about dating someone with depression is to realize that this is okay. It is okay to have days when you are emotionally drained. And that is why it is extremely important that while looking after your partner’s well-being, you take care of yourself too.
You need to figure out ways in which you can show them your love and support 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 will not be able to support your partner fully as well.
Read more: 45 Simple Examples Of Self-Care Practices.
Conclusion:
Loving someone is accepting them as they are. And this acceptance plays an even more important part when you are dating someone with depression. We hope with this list of ‘what to know about dating someone with depression,’ you might be able to navigate this challenging time with your partner and come out stronger together.
Dating someone with depression can take a toll on you eventually. Getting proper professional help to deal with these times might help you. Finding the right help has become even more accessible with online therapy platforms. To know more about that, click here.
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