Can Depression be Passed to Your Partner? 

How does depression affect the spouse?

• Emotional impact: Depression may lead to feelings of sadness, helplessness, and frustration from seeing their partner’s depressive symptoms. Partners may also blame themselves for their inability to relieve their spouse’s pain. It may create a sense of disconnection and loneliness for both partners. 
• Communication challenges: Depressive symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, withdrawal, or difficulty expressing emotions can impede effective communication between partners. This could result in misinterpretations and strained interactions. 
• Changes in interpersonal dynamics: Depression can shift the balance of a relationship. A depressed partner may show shifts in behavior such as social withdrawal, ignoring responsibilities, or avoiding intimacy. This could foster feelings of stress or resentment and affect the dynamics of a relationship. 
• Impact on social life: A spouse may go through transformations in their social life as they may avoid social events due to their partner’s depression. 
• Loss of intimacy: Symptoms of depression like fatigue or changes in sleeping patterns can affect intimacy within the relationship. The spouse may feel emotionally isolated and neglected. 
• Health effects: The persistent strain of living with a depressed partner can affect the spouse’s own mental and physical health. They may encounter symptoms of anxiety or physical health issues due to prolonged stress. 
• Financial strain: If the depressed partner’s professional abilities are compromised, it can lead to financial strain on the family, which can exacerbate the spouse’s stress levels and well-being. 

Is depression contagious in a relationship?

How to minimise negative effects of depression on relationships?

• Educate yourself and your partner: Learn about depression together. Awareness of symptoms, triggers, and therapeutic alternatives can cultivate empathy and mitigate misunderstandings. 
• Open communication: Promote open and truthful conversations about how depression affects both of you. This establishes trust and confidence and fosters enhanced support. 
• Offer help: Offer companionship and support without trying to fix everything. Simple gestures such as listening, providing encouragement, or just being there whenever needed can make a marked difference. 
• Set attainable expectations: Depression can influence stamina and diminish energy and motivation. Align expectations involving responsibilities and daily activities accordingly. 
• Create boundaries: Learn to withdraw or step back if your partner’s behaviour becomes detrimental or abusive. 
• Practice patience: Healing from depression requires patience and time. Hence, practice endurance and maintain composure with yourself and your partner through the process. 
• Encourage treatment: Consider joining therapy sessions together to improve communication and formulate coping techniques that suit your relationship. 
• Celebrate progress: Applaud small achievements and positive progressions towards managing depression. This strengthens hope and resilience in both partners. 

When to seek help?