Dating with depression often requires taking additional steps to protect your own mental health, as well as that of your partner. However, emotional support in dating with mental illness is attainable. Using a combination of emotional regulation and professional help, you can nurture thriving relationships, even if you suffer from depression.
The World Health Organization reports that over 300 million individuals worldwide have depression. While depression is incredibly common, its prevalence does not make it any less difficult to manage. If you have received a diagnosis of depression, it is crucial to consider how the disease affects your everyday life.
In this article, we will explore how to date if you have depression, as well as what you can do if your partner suffers from depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a condition that can be caused by external factors, as well as chemical imbalances in the brain. Some of the key symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lack of routine maintenance, such as household chores or personal hygiene
How to Date If You Have Depression?
If you have depression, dating may be the last thing on your mind. However, putting yourself out there and getting involved in your local dating scene can be beneficial for your mental health and well-being. Even the process of meeting new people and flirting will boost your self-confidence and allow you to meet others with similar interests.
Seek Professional Help
When your life feels out of your hands, it may be time to bring in external help. Therapists and psychiatrists can work with you to find a solution for your depression. A therapist will teach you cognitive methods and coping techniques to naturally manage symptoms, while a psychiatrist may perform an extended evaluation and prescribe medication if needed.
Keep your team of professionals in the loop if there are major changes to your lifestyle or mental health. Sometimes you may need to work with a therapist for a short period, while others may need longer stretches of appointments to cope with ongoing symptoms.
Don’t Date Until You Are Ready
Don’t push yourself to date if you do not feel ready. Evaluate your feelings when you think about going out with someone you are romantically interested in. It may be difficult to discern between regular nervous feelings and feeling like you are not ready to take that step quite yet.
Disclose Your Depression to Your Partner
When you have been dating someone for a while, you should disclose your depression to your partner. They must be aware of the disorder, in case they need to make medical decisions for you, or if there is a certain treatment protocol that needs to be followed when you start showing symptoms.
Disclosing a serious mental illness isn’t easy, and often requires a level of deep trust.
How Do You Deal With a Depressed Partner?
Whether you suffer from depression or not, it can be difficult to date someone with depression. Even if you have personal experience with the disorder, everyone’s depression is different, and the coping mechanisms you use may not be beneficial for your significant other.
Ask your partner how you can help them combat their symptoms. Offer solutions to make it easier for them to complete everyday tasks. For instance, if they struggle with brushing their teeth, offer disposable toothbrushes and floss picks. Baby wipes can be a temporary alternative to showering.
Follow their lead if they need space. Make sure to respect their boundaries, but make it clear that you are ready to help if needed. Some people want others around when they go through depressive episodes, while others may find healing in isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression, colloquially known as the “winter blues,” is different than major depressive disorder. Seasonal depression usually affects people during winter, but it can occur during any season. The changes in weather and temperature play a role in triggering depression symptoms.
Seasonal depression tends to be the most common during the winter season because temperatures dip and there is less daylight. Additionally, the holiday season can bring up feelings of sadness and grief for those missing their loved ones. Those with seasonal depression may require further emotional support in dating when symptoms increase at certain times of the year.
Does Depression Heal Itself Naturally?
It can. However, it is important not to ignore persistent symptoms of depression, especially if they interfere with your day-to-day lifestyle.
Sometimes depression can simply go away. Other times, your depression may require treatment methods such as therapy or medication. It often depends on whether your depression is caused by external factors or if it is a result of a chemical imbalance in your brain.
Can Antidepressants Help With Dating?
Antidepressants will not magically enable you to have more confidence while dating, but they can certainly make managing relationships with depression easier. Antidepressants alleviate some of the most debilitating symptoms, which can allow you to resume activities you once enjoyed, such as dating.
It is important to acknowledge medication if you plan on building relationships with depression. Your partner should know about your medication in case of a medical emergency, or simply as a tool to combat symptoms when they become more intense.
Dating With Depression
Dating with depression can be challenging, but it does not have to be unattainable. Using this guide to dating tips for mental health, you can take the appropriate steps to manage your depression and re-enter the dating scene.
At Special Bridge, our team is dedicated to connecting users with disabilities. Our service is tailored specifically for those with both mental and physical limitations, so you can curate your perfect match. Our unique dating site features forums and mailing lists, so you can receive the support you need.
Are you ready to take your social life to the next level? Reach out to us today to learn more, or sign up for our site to begin meeting like-minded individuals.
