Depression has many faces, which is why it is difficult to detect at its early stage. Some people show the visible signs of this mental condition. On the other hand, there are also those who prefer to keep all their feelings of extreme sadness, grief or despair all to themselves. Because of this, it is crucial for you to become more aware of the presence of depression in the life of someone you love just like your wife.
Finding out that your partner suffers from depression is going to be difficult in the beginning. However, you are left with no other choice but to remain strong or tough. It is essential for you to be calm and more determined in helping her deal with her mental health problem. Keep in mind that depression can make your wife unlovable. Instead of giving up on her, the right thing to do is to have a high level of patience. Make sure to love her even more. Here are some of the ways on how to help your loved one get over depression:
Learn How To Accept The Situation
Do not make things harder for your wife as well as for yourself. Avoid stressing yourself about the situation that she is currently in. Remind yourself that the situation is only temporary. There are still many methods that you can try to make her feel better. Take some time off to assess the situation and accept it with open arms. “Think of depression like turning the volume dial down on a speaker. It’s still playing the same music, but at a diminished level,” wrote Dan Bates, LMHC, MAML.
Once you have mastered the art of acceptance, everything will become easier on your part. You can start to think clearly and address the problem immediately. Acceptance is the key so that you could move forward and help your partner.
Keep The Communication Open
Always make your wife feel that she can open up to you at any time. Do not reject her at her worst times. Rejection is the last thing that she needs at this moment. Make an effort to encourage her to talk to you about her problems. Avoid giving negative reactions or comments to her stories. Just by allowing her to speak is already a big help for improving her condition. The more she opens up about what is bothering her, the faster her recovery will be.
“Being there to reassure and accompany them in the process can make the difference between someone falling through the cracks or not,” wrote psychiatrist Jean Kim, MD. “Overall, the goal of helping a loved one or friend with depression is to be caring and supportive, but also realistic and open to their state of mind.”
Give Her Space
Another important thing that you need to master is to know when the perfect time is to give her space. There will be days when your wife would tell you that she wants to be alone but the truth is that she needs you the most. It can be hard to decode the meaning of the words that she will tell you. This is why you must be careful in understanding what she means. At the same time, if she truly and genuinely demands some alone time, do not deprive her of that. Give her what she needs by allowing her to have space. “Realize that both you and your partner are doing the very best you can at this precise moment. Give each other a break and the benefit of the doubt,” says clinical psychologist Barbara Markway, PhD.
You have what it takes to help your loved one get over depression. Never give up on improving her mental health.