Depression: The Silent Stress for Couples

Depression targets both women and men, but women are more likely to be diagnosed with the illness. Still, those who experience depression rarely do so alone. They draw the people they love, most notably their partners, into their illness. This may take an emotional toll on partners - who may be unaware of their own stressful reactions and needs. For these reasons, living with a depressed partner has been described as “tumultuous,” “frustrating,” and “hopeless.”

Consider whether you have experienced any of the following:

 As indicated by the examples above, there is a reciprocal link between depression and relationship problems. That is, depression may be triggered by relationship problems, and relationship problems are often intensified by depression. This is not to assign blame, but, on the contrary to point out that help is available in the form of treatment.

 “So what does this mean for me as her partner?”

A research study on treating depression in women is being conducted in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center.  We are asking that the women’s partners also participate. This will involve a monthly phone assessment during the course of the study and, possibly, coming with your partner to talk about the impact of depression on your relationship.