How depression affects relationships

Depression can have a huge effect on a person's relationships, particularly with people close to them.

A person with depression may be very negative and start thinking things like “I’m crap” or “nobody likes me”. These feelings can be powerful and may make him or her feel like they don’t want to speak to anyone so they may hide away from you or be more grumpy or irritable than usual.

You may also find that they lose interest in going out and doing the fun things that you used to do together. It is common for people with depression to lose interest in things that they used to enjoy doing and to lose energy and motivation.

Their behaviour may be difficult for you to understand. It can be hurtful and frustrating when you are trying to help someone and they are relentlessly negative or refuse to do anything, especially if they used to be an energetic positive person. Sometimes a person in the middle of a depression may not know what they want or how they feel. For example they may want love and hugs but also feel so overwhelmed that they want to be left alone. This can lead to them giving you mixed messages which can be confusing for you.

The good news is that the person you love is still there, but they have an illness. Once they start to recover from their depression, these problems will start to ease. By supporting them in their recovery, you may even build a closer and more satisfying relationship with them.

Some things people might say when they are feeling crap:

Or they may say nothing at all...

add your own

Brought to you by Depression Alliance Scotland.
About Us | Can you really say 'crap'? | Funders | Contact Us

How depression affects relationships
Depression can have a huge effect on a person's relationships, particularly with people close to them. A person with depression may be very negative and start thinking things like “I’m crap” or “nobody likes me”. These feelings can be powerful and may make him or her feel like they don’t want to speak to anyone so they may hide away from you or be more grumpy or irritable than usual. You may also find that they lose interest in going out and doing the fun things that you used to do together. It is common for people with depression to lose interest in things that they used to enjoy doing and to lose energy and motivation. Their behaviour may be difficult for you to understand. It can be hurtful and frustrating when you are trying to help someone and they are relentlessly negative or refuse to do anything, especially if they used to be an energetic positive person. Sometimes a person in the middle of a depression may not know what they want or how they feel. For example they may want love and hugs but also feel so overwhelmed that they want to be left alone. This can lead to them giving you mixed messages which can be confusing for you. The good news is that the person you love is still there, but they have an illness. Once they start to recover from their depression, these problems will start to ease. By supporting them in their recovery, you may even build a closer and more satisfying relationship with them.	Some things people might say when they are feeling crap: Or they may say nothing at all... add your own
Brought to you by Depression Alliance Scotland. About Us \| Can you really say 'crap'? \| Funders \| Contact Us
Copyright: DAS, 2008; Last updated: 17/6/08