Do you feel your partner’s depression can be contagious?

[Delight101010]

Like you start to suffer almost as much?
Not because they’re attacking you but rather confiding all the awful thoughts they’ve been having?

[GolightlyMrsGolightly]

I read a lot of help guides, talked to go and a counsellor through work when dh Was going through A major depressive episode. They all said to be careful you don’t get dragged down too.

One described it as Waring a protective bubble wrap suit, you have to let it bounce off you and not get through under your skin. It’s super hard. Things that helped were taking care of my own mental and physical health. And being a bit selfish. I felt guilty sometimes leaving him to go out work or see friends, but I had to, and in reality I think it made very little difference if I was there or not.

I leaned heavily on help too, enlisting family and friends to share the care.

It’s no5 easy, don’t underestimate it....or expect much thanks afterwards.

[20wedding19]

Absolutely 100% - a close family relative and fiance were 3 months away from getting married but for the year beforehand we had seen my relative go down and down and down mentally whilst she was doing her best to support her partners depression.
They split up just before the wedding. It was so sad all round as he is a great guy