Exploring Depression in Relationships
There are many factors to maintaining healthy, lasting relationships. Along with maintaining a strong tie with your partner, there are countless external forces that can influence a marriage for better or worse. Likewise, there is a broad spectrum of reasons for divorce.
Divorce attorneys working in the field are used to never being surprised when a new reason for separation is brought to their desk. However, there are often trends and commonalities among many divorces. Researchers continuously investigate these trends and numbers to gain better understanding and to help more people through the difficult times of divorce.
Recently, articles and research have continued to explore the role that depression plays in relationships and divorce. Understanding mental health issues has been an important focus recently, and it is beneficial to view the way it can also impact romantic relationships.
During the Relationship
Depression often seeps in and can have damaging effects on both the person suffering and their partner. An individual suffering from clinical depression will often have multiple symptoms and side effects that can change their mood and behavior on a daily basis. Depression can create an overall loss of interest in many areas of life including intimacy, normal socialization and regular obligations.
Research has previously found that, in a marriage, people with depression have higher stress levels and are overall less satisfied in their relationship. Combined with the day-to-day changing effects of depression, this can add significant strain to a relationship. If there were existing issues or depression goes untreated for long enough, it may even lead to separation or divorce.
Handling Depression After Divorce
Going through a divorce is incredibly stressful for most people. It is common for people to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt and more when dealing with divorce. Even if depression was not initially a factor leading to the divorce, it can end up affecting people. One study found that depression after a divorce increases the chance of death by suicide by 1.6 times.
Knowing the risks, it is important to recognize if you or your former partner are developing any signs of depression following a divorce. Symptoms should be taken seriously, and there is no shame in admitting you need help from a medical professional. If you have noticed a change in your former partner and are worried about their mental health and do not feel comfortable approaching him/her yourself, reach out to one of their close family members or friends.
There are plenty of great resources in the Grand Rapids area for people suffering from divorce-related depression. Along with seeking professional help and taking advantage of community resources, exercise and diet changes can help treat depression. Most importantly, you want to practice patience and focus on realistic expectations for your own healing.
Sai. (2016, November 15). Life After Divorce: Is There Any Link Between Depression And Divorce to One’s Health? Retrieved November 16, 2016 from http://www.itechpost.com/articles/53912/20161115/life-divorce-link-between-depression-ones-health.htm
Mehta, F. (2016, November 14). Depression and Divorce: What’s the Connection? Retrieved November 16, 2016 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314057.php
