It is funny how relationships get ruined for no reason. Yes, a relationship, just like many other relationships, may fail even without the presence of a third party. That is because emotional and mental health issues, such as depression, can become a factor. Some might not agree with that, I know. But for those couples who are struggling with mental and emotional health issues, the reality is different. This is why it’s important to learn about depression and relationships.
Not all relationships can work, especially when one or both of them already decided that things aren’t under control. Marriage counseling may not always cure the problem. Some instances believe that the mere reason for a failed commitment is falling out of love. But I doubt that. No one easily falls out of love just because they think it’s trendy or entirely necessary. There is a strong reason behind that statement, as well as for quite a while, I realized it was all because of the mental and emotional damage present in the love affair.
Depression is a very real and strong enemy. It has the power to ruin many things. It can affect families and also one’s career. It can be a silent killer, slowly eating away at us until we are no longer able to keep up with the demands of our walk or everyday life. I have witnessed how depression destroys your love for your partner first-hand. Of course, it is not a pretty sight.
How Depression Affected My Relationship
My experience started when my long-term boyfriend was diagnosed with depression. Initially, I didn’t understand the severity of his condition. At the same time, I have no clue how it would affect our love. I thought I could be a positive force in his life. I thought I could help him through it, but it quickly became apparent that I was unprepared for the mental along with emotional toll it would take on me.
I started to feel overwhelmed at that time. I felt helpless – like there was nothing I could do to make him feel better. Our love affair had been so strong for so long, but now it was crumbling before my eyes. I started to become resentful. I felt frustrated as well that I blamed myself for not being able to help him. I felt like a failure for the reason that I was struggling to maintain my own mental well-being.
The Hardest Decision I Made
I eventually had to make the difficult decision to end our relationship. It was heartbreaking. I felt like I had failed him. But I knew that it was the healthiest option for both of us. I had to put my own mind along with emotional well-being first. I couldn’t continue to be in an unhealthy situation anymore.
Despite my worries, I decided to focus on my own healing recovery treatment. I started to see a therapist. I also attended support groups to help me in coping with the trauma of the failed commitment. I worked hard to move on from the pain while starting to build a better future for myself.
As the years passed, I was able to forgive myself for the mistakes I made as well as for leaving my partner. I also learned that it was okay to recognize my own limitations. It was fine to set my own boundaries also not to mention to respect my own emotional and mental health.
Wrapping Up
I am grateful for the lessons I learned in that relationship, and I am now living a more balanced as well as a healthier life. I am still in touch with my ex-boyfriend. I am pleasantly surprised to find out that he is doing much better. He is managing his mood disorder with the help of local resources, also advice from therapists, including medically reviewed medication. He is living a more fulfilling life.
I still struggle with depression. Depression affects my relationships, but I am more aware of its power now; I know my own limitations. I have learned to be more compassionate while having a better understanding of myself. I am also more aware of my needs and boundaries. I am more willing to take care of myself now.
Depression is a powerful force, and it can have a serious impact on relationships. But with love, support, and understanding, it is possible to overcome the challenges it brings, You can also live a healthier yet more balanced life.
You might not agree with me, but let me explain some things to you from these frequently asked questions. From there, it is your choice to look deep into these answers. I also recommend trying to use them for your own evaluation.
How Does Mental Illness Affect Commitment?
According to a therapy expert, mental health problems are extremely painful. It is a traumatic moment for all individuals as it creates a huge impact on emotional components. It impacts people’s ability to express empathy due to persistent feelings of anxiety and isolation. It causes codependency or even resentment. There is a struggle to know what individuals should do to cope with their stress while trying their best to manage other life pressure.
Anxiety and depression affect relationships in a very unnoticeable way. Sometimes, it can leave both parties unaware of their words, actions, as well as behaviors. Often, the mental health condition makes it impossible for both individuals to look beneath what is more important.
What Is The Relationship Of Stress To Mood Disorder?
When stress is prolonged, there is a chance that it promotes an overwhelming feeling. The risks of developing medical problems, including mental health problems, increase. Chronic stressful life situations are inevitable. Thus, the possibility of having MDD is right around the corner. However, the damages are not limited to that. Stress contributes to more health issues such as sleep problems, substance use problems, pain, bodily complaints, inability to focus as well as concentration, etc.
What Are The Types Of Major Mood Disorders?
The common types of depression are Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Psychotic Depression, Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression, and Situational Depression.
What Diseases Are Linked To Major Mood Disorders?
Some examples of diseases linked to depression are arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, lupus, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Even Hypothyroidism also leads to depressed feelings. That is due to the fears besides anxiety that tend to build up over time.
What Is The Number One Cause Of MDD?
Research shows that depression does not just occur from simply having too little or too much of certain chemicals in the brain. Rather, there are many possible causes of the mental disorder including genetic vulnerability, abuse, addiction, death or loss of a loved one, conflict, medications, stressful life events, …