Depression is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of interest in daily activities, including hobbies. It can lead to disturbances in the flow of one’s life, and worst-case scenarios might end up with suicide. Depression is a result of a variety of factors that include physical, mental, and social stress. In most cases, a combination of these factors is the root cause of the condition. Relationships could be both the reason for depression and the best cure for the condition. So let’s find out how your current relationship influences your mental health.

Relationship and Depression

In recent times, relationships have turned out to be one of the major sources of distress that leads to depression. It is also essential to note that good relationships are a support mechanism that can help anyone cope with depression, whether you date casually or is in a long term relationship.

To make sure that depression does not lead to the destruction of your long-term relationship or a casual relationship or physical and mental harm, you need to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of the condition. We have defined that relationships can play two roles: a cause of depression and a coping mechanism against the condition.

Relationship as Cause of Depression

Most people hate to admit it, but, in some instances, your relationship might be the major cause of depression. Relationships can be quite rocky sometimes; they might stress you out to a point that you get depressed. The biggest problem with relationship-related depression is that most people tend to deny the correlation between their relationship and depression, especially in casual relationships. This denial can lead to depression progressing and, in the worst cases, leading to irreversible mental health problems or even death.

Here are some signs that indicate that your relationship is taking a toll on your mental wellbeing and can lead to depression:

• Faltering Physical Health

If your mental psyche is not at its best, the most visible indicator is your physical wellbeing. Depressed individuals tend to have physical health problems. Most people might not know this, but your mental health directly affects your neurosensory system, immune system, and cardiovascular system. Some of the physical signs you should look out for include insomnia, headaches, and muscle pain. These might be indicators of depression.

• Discomfort when Your Partner Is Around

If you are often uncomfortable when your partner is close to you, the chance is that your relationship is driving you straight to depression, or you have already arrived. Relationships should be a source of joy and comfort.

Most people in a toxic relationship tend to feel a sense of relief when their partner is not around. It is one of the main red flags that show that you are in a wrong relationship. And if you do not deal with it effectively, you will have to cope with an advanced case of depression.

• Being Scared to End Relationship

Relationships should never feel like cages. If you are at a point where you are trying to get out of a relationship, but every time you fail, your mental health is at risk. Get help as early as possible! It is common with most toxic relationships, and it is a situation that often leads to relationship anxiety and, eventually, depression.

How to Deal with Relationship Depression

• Find Mediator

In most instances, when a relationship gets to a point where they become causes of depression, communicating becomes difficult. Then, you should find a mediator who will try to help you and your partner get to an understanding.  The perfect candidate is usually a counselor. This way, you will get a chance to get an unbiased opinion and advice.

• Seek Treatment

The good thing is that, over the years, scientists have come up with an effective clinical treatment for depression. If you check for all signs of depression, you should visit a doctor and get some treatment. It might differ, depending on the advancement of your condition. Make sure that you adhere to the treatment regulations.

• Leave Relationship

It might be the hardest way to deal with a relationship that is causing depression, but it works. If you feel that your relationship is affecting your mental health, and everything else is not working, the best thing might be ending the relationship. If you are scared you will not find a better (or any) partner in the future, don’t worry. Whether you are a woman seeking men, a man seeking men, or a transgender seeking women, trust us, you will find your other half. Your current partner, who is perhaps an abuser (if you’re already in depression), is not the last person on Earth – open your life for a kind, helpful, and caring person you deserve.

Relationship as Depression Coping Mechanism

Not all relationships are a source of depression; some help to deal with the condition. If your partner is experiencing hard times, there is a need for you to become their counselor. Sometimes love, attention, and affection can be helpful means to get by with depression. A healthy relationship can act as a coping mechanism for someone experiencing depression.

To help your partner, ensure that you are emotionally present when you interact with them. If you can, accompany your significant other to their therapy sessions. More importantly, there is a great need to help your partner adhere to the instructions if they are receiving treatment.

As we wind up, keep in mind that depression in a relationship is a serious issue. So, select a dating partner carefully. It will surely help you avoid pairing up with a person who will affect your mental health. However, thanks to free online dating platforms like Wickedlist, finding an ideal mate who will bring you more joy than grief has become pretty easy wherever you are in the US!