9 Ways To Cope With Depression In A Relationship

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. People experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work, resulting in lost time and lower productivity. It can also influence relationships and some chronic health conditions. Maintaining relationships while you're depressed can be extremely hard. The life in general can be tough during periods of depression. Having to face others who once knew the healthier, happier you, can feel embarrassing, shameful, and even downright frustrating. You might feel like you can't be yourself around others because you're trapped inside the walls of depression. But you have to come up from this frustration. Check out some of the ways which will tell you that how to behave when you are suffering from depression.

# Do Small Things

To make sure you're maintaining relationships when you're depressed, occasionally do small things with others. It doesn't have to be anything too dramatic, or overwhelming, just something small: maybe a coffee date, a chat on the phone, a short visit with them if they ask to come over, or, maybe it's as simple as lunch. Doing small things with people in your life is one of the best ways to maintain relationships.

# Focus on Long Term

During depression, all you can think about is the here and now and how miserable you are. However you can, try to focus on the long term. Two years from now, do you want to be alone, and be without certain people in your life? Withdrawing from them now isn't the way to keep them around, for sure. Be sure you focus on the long term and remember, the depression will pass, but don't let relationships with people you love pass along with it.

# Find Someone to Confide in

All the relationships you have there are one or two people who will understand your struggles. Try to find someone to confide in that might understand what you're going through. This can help you overcome the feeling of isolation, which depression is known to entrap you in.

# Remember Their Feelings

Depression is one of the most selfish, helpless diseases. It robs you of the ability to think about others' feelings because it engulfs you in feelings of sadness and self pity. One of the best ways to maintain relationships with others during depression, is to try to remember their feelings. How will your best friend feel when she loses you to depression? How will your parents feel?

# Reward your efforts

All goals are worthy of recognition, and all successes are worthy of celebration. When you achieve a goal, do your best to recognize it. You may not feel like celebrating with a cake and confetti, but recognizing your own successes can be a very powerful weapon against depression’s negative weight. The memory of a job well-done may be especially powerful against negative talk and overgeneralization.

# Listening to Music

ResearchTrusted Source shows music can be a great way to boost your mood and improve symptoms of depression. It may also help you strengthenTrusted Source your reception of positive emotions. Music may be especially beneficial when performed in group settings, such as a musical ensemble or band. You can also reap some of the same rewards simply by listening.

# Spend time in nature

Mother Nature can have a powerful influence on depression. Exposure to sunlight may offer some of the same benefits. It can increase your serotonin levels, which can provide a temporary mood boost. Consider taking a walk at lunch among the trees or spending some time in your local park. Or plan a weekend hike. These activities can help you reconnect with nature and soak in some rays at the same time.

# Getting enough sleep

Sleep disturbances are common with depression. You may not sleep well, or you may sleep too much. Both can make depression symptoms worse. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help you with your daily schedule. Getting the proper amount of sleep may also help you feel more balanced and energized throughout your day.

# Try New Things

Sometimes, an environment or association with something negative in our life can often bring up bad memories, even if it's with people we love. Try new things, and start finding new ways to enjoy those around you. This one thing can help you heal almost better than anything else. Give it a little time, and keep trying, it does work!