By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Mental health illnesses affect how a person relates to other people. Depression causes a person to have sudden mood changes that are barriers to nourishing long-term relationships. For instance, extreme anger or anxiety can scare away a potential partner. Also, family members may fail to understand that a person is battling depression and distance themselves. Ultimately, a person experiences feelings of loneliness and detachment from loved ones. Nevertheless, people can seek professional interventions like counseling to prevent depression from affecting their relationships.

Many people dealing with mental health issues are unaware of their conditions. Hence, they engage in actions whose consequences are dire but cannot explain why they do so. A person suffering from depression is likely to experience detachment. This feeling is present in how they respond to attempts by their partner to show love. For instance, one may ignore their spouse’s calls because they feel detached. Eventually, this act becomes a habit that could be a deal breaker for the other partner. Also, a depressed person may feel unwanted and unappreciated. Subsequently, they may decide to stay away from loved ones and cut communication. Over time, one experiences extreme loneliness that affects the progression of a relationship (Zhang et al., 2021). Thus, it is critical to seek professional advice if one suspects they are experiencing depression.

Ignoring mental health disorders results in severe consequences. A person suffering from depression can take several actions to prevent the issue from interfering with their relationship. First, one can inform their loved one of their current emotional state. By doing so, the partner understands the situation and supports the person. Secondly, an individual should consult a professional and embrace a treatment plan. Thus, the causes of depression are determined, and its effects are lessened. Consequently, one heals from the condition, leads a fruitful life, and forms healthy relationships.

References

Zhang, Y., Huang, L., Luo, Y., & Ai, H. (2021). The relationship between state loneliness and depression among youths during COVID-19 lockdown: Coping style as mediator. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.701514