Frequently Asked Questions About Major Depressive Disorder Along With Relationships

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, dysfunctional emotions, as well as medical problems.

How Does MDD Change Your Personality?

Though not all the time, depression can still change someone’s personality in an instant. Often a person becomes irritable, frustrated, angry, and impulsive. Despite knowing the cause of the emotional and mental issues, both couples tend to ignore it because of their irrational thinking. In cases where couples attempt to quell the pain, some turn to cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, as well as other unhealthy habits that risk their health even further. They do not understand that mental health is associated with high risks of violence, other forms of self-harm, or suicide.

Why Do Females Have A Higher Rate Of Depression Than Males?

Depression rates are higher in females than in males, especially after hitting puberty. That is because girls usually enter puberty before boys do. Thus, they’re more likely to develop earlier emotional as well as mental issues regarding desire, self-image, and also peer pressure, etc.

But despite that information, it does not mean men are less affected. While females may have higher rates of depression, males are often victims of self-harm as well as suicidal thoughts. That is because of gender roles where society perceived males as dominant creature that is somehow not allowed to feel and show weakness.

How Do You Deal With Sadness In A Relationship?

While everyone’s mood disorder experience is unique, few things can help couples address the situation. The first and foremost step is to educate themselves about the danger of MDD. Both need to separate facts from fiction. The couples should focus on taking care of one another. Try to find support in each other’s presence. Both of them should not take their stress and anxiety personally. They should not lash out at one another. They need to become a team to win over their mental health issues.

What Is A Toxic Relationship?

The answer is simple. A toxic relationship is when couples don’t support each other. When the goal of one of them is to undermine the other, then that is considered a toxic relationship. Everything around these people is competition, compensation, and favors, as well as an extreme imbalance. Relationships depression do not compromise, give, forgive, and forget.

How Do You Know If Your Partner Is Mentally Unstable?

It is vital to pay close attention to your partner when it comes to symptoms of depression that are affecting your romance. One way to identify if your loved one is mentally unstable is when there is often aggression. When your partner often gets upset, he or she might be dealing with emotional and mental issues that are hard to express. When your partner loses interest or shows no empathy towards you, that is also a sign of unstable mental health. When your partner does not have the energy or cannot admit mistakes, fears criticism, is stiff with others, or is dramatic and overacting, then those are warning signs, so to speak.

Takeaway

Be mindful that not because you think your spouse is okay does not mean he or she is. It would be nice for to you consider talking and having open communication with your loved ones (friends or family members) about their thoughts and feelings. Allow your partner to express their emotional or mental struggles to continue maintaining a strong marriage. Because sometimes, the only way you can get rid of depression is through being there for the one you love.

If you can’t seem to handle the negativity, do not be ashamed to contact a mental health professional to help and take advantage of their resources.

 

Can Depression Make You Want To Leave A Relationship?

Yes, depression can influence an individual’s desire to leave a relationship. Depression often brings about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability, which can affect how a person perceives their relationship. Someone with depression may withdraw emotionally, feel disconnected from their partner, or believe that ending the relationship is the solution to their problems. However, these feelings can be temporary and may not accurately reflect their long-term desires.

Does Depression Make It Hard To Be In A Relationship?

Depression can make it challenging to be in a relationship. Individuals with depression may struggle with low energy, lack of interest or pleasure in activities, and difficulty in expressing themselves or communicating effectively with their partner. This can strain the relationship and make it harder to maintain emotional intimacy.

Can People With Depression Have Successful Relationships?

Yes, people with depression can have successful and fulfilling relationships. It’s essential to recognize that depression is a treatable condition, and with proper treatment, including therapy and/or medication, individuals with depression can manage their depression symptoms and improve their relationship functioning. Supportive partners, open communication, and a willingness to seek help together can contribute to successful relationships.

Can You Love Someone And Still Be Unhappy?

Yes, it’s possible to love someone deeply and still experience unhappiness or dissatisfaction in the relationship. Love is one aspect of a relationship, but it does not necessarily guarantee happiness or fulfillment in all areas of the relationship. Conflicts, communication issues, external stressors, and personal challenges, such as depression, can contribute to feelings of unhappiness despite love being present.

How To Be In A Relationship With Someone Who Has Major Depression?