Can you have a happy relationship with someone who's suffering from depression?

1. 73

   stricktlydatingposted 12 years ago

   Can you have a happy relationship with someone who's suffering from depression?
   
   

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2. 0

   Lizam1posted 12 years ago

   When you say happy relationship - is any relationship happy all the time?  When a partner has depression it is certainly possible for the relationship to continue and support the partner by ensuring they are engaging in the process of recovery whatever that looks like.  Bi-polar disorder is very challenging yet there are couples who manage the disorder.  The non-depressed partner will also need support , assistane to understand what is helpful and not helpful and outlets to discuss their experience and so will any children.

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3. 60

   Leaderofmanyposted 12 years ago

   I have a husband who has PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depression both these combined is hell. But one thing is we have a great relationship. Our relationship is strong. Even though he suffers greatly, I am there to stand by, pick him up and carry him if I have to. He also is there for me when I get frustrated, yell at him and stressed because of his disorders. If you want it to be it can be.

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4. 60

   Disturbiaposted 12 years ago

   Yes, I believe you can have true happiness with someone who has depression provided you go into the relationship with an understanding of the disorder and realistic expections. BOTH partners need to work on the relationship just as any other couple does.  No relationship is hearts and flowers all the time.  Depression is not the end of life.  It is a treatable disorder and it is the depressed partner's responsibility to get treatment, just as it is the other partner's responsibility to be understanding in those times of darkness. There is no reason you can't find happiness with someone who has depression if you really want to.

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5. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 12 years ago

   This is one of those questions where the answer depends on the individuals involved. There is no yes or no answer from the standpoint of (people in general).
   Personally it would be a major challenge for me to stay upbeat, positive, and romantic while being involved with someone who is clinically depressed.
   At best all you can do is help them research the illness and get into therapy or possibly find the right meds. However much of what needs to take place will have to be driven by the person who is suffering.
   I tend to subscribe to the old Neville Brothers song; "When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me". It would be extremely difficult for me to be "happy" if my significant other were down in the dumps.

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6. 64

   ThunderKeysposted 12 years ago

   Some of the most powerful couple-counseling research of the last 10 years accidentally discovered that teaching couples how to communicate with profound emotionally intimacy and to provide deep emotional soothing, actually cured depressed partner's more effectively than medication or individual counseling for depression!
   
   Behavioral activation therapy, which is also more effective than cognitive behavior therapy or medication for mild to moderate depression, can be even more effective when a spouse or life pattern actively participates in the therapy.
   
   I honestly believe that yes, a happy healthy relationship or marriage is more than just possible when 1 partner suffers from depression. It's all about how the couple approaches and manages the condition and their relationship together.

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7. 35

   edhanposted 12 years ago

   Depression requires love and attention. So, if you apply TLC (tender loving care) for the person that you are having relationship, it will turn out well.
   
   Strengthen your relationship and you will heal the depression.

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8. 56

   jeanniedoeposted 12 years ago

   If there is a presence of love, support, understanding, and care in a relationship, I believe that depression can be healed and true happiness will be experienced.

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9. 38

   alisha4uposted 12 years ago

   I say, why not? It's important how you behave in this situation. Depression is nothing but imbalance of emotions... One who is depressed would need emotional support..Plus, a pinch of creativity could make everything fall in place....
   
   The other partner just need to shift the focus of the depressed one's towards something really exciting and entertaining.

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