Yesterday we looked at dealing with depression and what you can do if your spouse is suffering from depression. Here are some more thoughts on the subject.
Don’t be afraid to get professional help. Too often people can be embarrassed or made to feel they should be able to deal with things. This is especially true in Christian circles. There seems to be an idea that Christians should never suffer depression because they are Christian. That is not recognizing that depression is a medical condition, an illness that needs treating. So find a psychologist who can help you. If you are a Christian then try and find a Christian psychologist to help.
Medication can be suggested and helpful in some cases for depression. But don’t jump to medication as the quickest and only solution. It is not necessary or even advisable in all cases. Some cases can be treated without medication.
Sometimes it may be more getting to the cause of the depression. For example, if someone is in a stressful work or home situation the depression may be able to be resolved by changing the situation causing the problem.
There is also postnatal depression. The arrival of a baby in a household is a source of great joy. It can also be a cause of depression. Sometimes this can result from a long and difficult pregnancy, from health problems with the baby, lack of sleep for mother and baby, having unrealistic expectations, or lack of help. This is where the spouse can be a great support and make sure adequate help is provided.
Practical help around the house as well as emotional support can often improve the problem. Above all the person shouldn’t be made to feel that there is something odd about them because they are suffering depression. It happens to 16 percent of women. At times like this, it is even more important that the couple has couple time and that all of life does not revolve around the baby.
This has just scratched the surface of the subject. For more help on the subject go to the mental health blog or to this site.
Related blogs
Obsession Can Destroy Marriage
A Baby Will Affect Your Marriage
Intimacy and Imagination in Marriage
Dealing with the Worrier- Part 2