6 Ways You Can Support Your Partner With Depression

When you’re in a relationship, it’s common to want to be there for your partner.

For better, for worse.

For richer, for poorer,

In sickness and in health.

Whether you’re married or just started dating, you want your partner to be safe, happy, and healthy. When your partner has a bad day, is stressed, or is struggling, you wish you could pick up the broken pieces and put them back together again. When a larger issue like depression is at play, you may not be able to fix it, but you can find ways to support them during this time.

We’re here to help if you’re unsure where to start. Here are 6 ways that you can support your partner with depression.

1. Eat a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet

You can help your partner feel good from the inside out by prioritizing your eating habits. Instead of ordering out every night, try to prioritize eating healthy and well-balanced meals that are full of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Make it into a date by planning the meals you’re going to eat during the week, making a shopping list, going grocery shopping, meal prepping, and eating meals together.

2. Move Your Body

You can take these healthy habits a step further by finding time during your day to move your body. Exercise improves one’s physical health. It’s also extremely beneficial for one’s overall mental health and wellness.

The best part is that you and your partner don’t have to spend time participating in activities you don’t actually enjoy. You can see the benefits of moving your body by getting your blood pumping and heart racing with activities that you actually get pleasure in. Going for a walk outside, riding a bicycle, lifting weights, or dancing around in your house are great ways to move your body. Find what works best for you and get after it.

3. Shout Out Their Strengths

When people feel down about themselves and their lives, it can be easy for them to fixate on the areas that aren’t going well. You can help them out by pointing out the things that are going well that they may not be noticing. This is a great way to practice positive reinforcement so they can start to see how much good they bring into your life and the world around them.

4. Educate Yourself

Another way that you can help your partner who is struggling with depression is to take the time to educate yourself. Learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms, and coping mechanisms. This can be a great way for you to try to spot what could be hidden signs of depression. Taking the time to learn can also show them how much you care and want to support them.

5. Let Them Know You’re There for Them

Make sure you let your partner know that you’re there to help them however they may need it. Instead of trying to give your opinion when it isn’t asked, show up for your partner however they may need it. Be a shoulder to cry on, someone to listen to them, or just sit with them in silence. Find out what they need from you so you can support them in the ways that they need it.

6. Encourage Them to Seek Help

One of the best ways that you can support your partner is to encourage them to seek additional support. No matter how much you want to help them, a licensed and trained mental health professional is a great next step to take for the help that they truly need. You can even offer to help them find a therapist, make an appointment, or drive them to their sessions. If you or your partner are interested in getting started, reach out today to learn more about couples counseling.