Nurturing Healthy Relationships When Living with Depression

While thinking about what to write about this week, I received a text from someone I had not spoken to for a long time. The relatively quick conversation left me thinking about how the person and I had drifted apart. Yet, in all honesty, I wasn't sad about the drifting apart. What was once what I thought a healthy relationship was not. It was very one-sided and unhealthy for me living with depression. Thus, nurturing healthy relationships becomes not just beneficial but essential when you are coping with depression.

Whether it be family, friendships, or romantic relationships, having depression can reverberate through many levels and many relationships if they are with people who may not understand mental health or are unhealthy. Nurturing healthy relationships can be a lot of work for both people. If you find you are making excuses for yourself or your behavior toward someone, it may be time to question whether it is a healthy relationship. However, here are a few tips that may help nurture healthy relationships. 

Ways to Nurture Healthy Relationships with Depression

Open Communication is Key

Honest communication forms the foundation of any relationship, but it is essential in a relationship where mental health is a factor. Encourage and practice dialogue where you and others feel heard and validated without judgment. Practice this when you're not in a crisis, and make it part of your daily conversation so it doesn't feel awkward when in crisis. It is important to validate how each other feels, even if one person doesn't agree with how the other is feeling. How you feel is normal for you, plain and simple. 

Education is a Critical Element

No, not the sit-at-your-desk kind, but educating yourself and others about depression. If you haven't already, look into the science and biology of depression and how the brain of someone living with depression works. Understanding the biology, symptoms, triggers, and available help can foster empathy and misconceptions of others. 

Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection

Relationships are never perfect or easy, and setbacks are expected on occasion. The same is valid for living with depression. When you combine the two, it can become complicated. Yet, setbacks are a natural part of the process. However, these are also some of the most challenging times to get through, and it is here that we need to be reminded of the first two tips: communication and education. Once these two elements are in place, dealing with minor setbacks can be more accessible and less damaging. In other words, life happens, and it is certainly not perfect, so celebrate the progress by nurturing the healthy relationships you have and setting loose the detrimental ones. 

Depression can test the resilience of even the most robust relationships, but it can also be an opportunity for growth, empathy, and deeper connection. By fostering open communication, education, and a commitment to mutual support, individuals can navigate depression together, emerging more robust and more connected on the other side. Remember, it's not about fixing each other but about standing together through the highs and lows, nurturing a relationship that provides comfort, understanding, and healing. 

Every relationship is different, and no one solution will fix every relationship. However, it is vital in any relationship to be true to yourself and not let others make you feel unworthy. I would love to hear how you cope with depression in your relationships.