Can Depression Destroy a Marriage?

When looking at the negative effects of depression, most studies typically focus on how this mental condition impacts the person who is depressed. But in a marital relationship, depression affects more than just the individual. Couples from Tooele, Utah to the East Coast have needed the assistance of marriage therapy to better understand how depression can impact their relationship and what can be done to help it.

Depression can affect a relationship in many ways. Reader’s Digest explains that when one spouse suffers from depression, both the emotional and physical intimacy of the relationship deteriorate. Anger and pessimism can easily enter into the relationship, both on the part of the depressed individual and on the part of the spouse.

Frequently, as one spouse gets increasingly depressed, the other needs to “pick up the slack” by taking over most (if not all) work, housekeeping and childcare responsibilities, which can add additional stress to an already difficult situation. Marriage therapy specialists in Tooele and elsewhere note that failing to address the consequences of depression in a constructive manner can ultimately lead to divorce if a couple is not careful.

When an individual begins to notice signs of depression in his or her spouse, it is important to address the issue as quickly as possible. If left unchecked for too long, the non-depressed spouse could also become depressed, further increasing the likelihood of divorce.

Partners should watch out for any changes in their spouse’s attitudes and behaviors. Oftentimes, depression will manifest itself through working longer hours, becoming involved with drugs or alcohol or displaying detachment from normal activities. Open and honest communication are key to discovering the root of the problem, and in many cases, professional assistance may be necessary to fully resolve the problems.

Couples in Tooele and elsewhere can benefit from marriage therapy when one partner is suffering from depression. A study in Psychiatric Quarterly found that this form of counseling was often the most beneficial in resolving the relationship issues that could arise from depression. Even after a case of depression has been resolved, partners should still be alert for the possibility of a relapse.

Sadly, those who fail to address depression frequently see their relationship continually erode until divorce occurs. Failing to seek treatment can easily bring a host of other problems to the marriage, and if couples wait too long, not even marriage therapy can save the relationship. Those in Tooele and elsewhere would do well to fight back at depression before it becomes too late.

Kevin Johnson is a relationship writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Swinton Counseling. Follow on Twitter