How do you deal with a depressed spouse?

Dealing with a depressed spouse or any depressed person may be very hard. You have to support your spouse and not give up on them. Show them the joy of life and remind them everyday that you love them and will love them no matter what.

I try to support them the best that I can. Although it can be frustrating, understand it is generally more frustrating for them because they cannot easily get themselves out of their depression. They love you, do not forget that, and they want to be happy with you. Along with this, try not to let yourself also become upset because you feel helpless and lost. There is aid not only for your depressed spouse, but also for you. Make sure you seek help if you need it. Do not feel guilty or selfish because it is very hard to see someone you love be so upset.

I think the only thing you can do really is be available for them. Let them know you understand, and if you don't understand ask them how they're feeling. They can't snap out of it or cheer up and I know it can be frustrating to have to deal with but all they really need is your support. They may not feel comfortable coming to you for help, it is hard, but make sure they know that they can come to you when they need to. Be affectionate. Pay compliments. Even when they don't believe you or want to hear it. A hug and a quiet night watching movies together makes all the difference too :)

Lead them towards deciding to seek out professional support themselves. Let them know it's a normal thing to talk to a family doctor about. Help them understand that if they're ever in danger, calling a police station or contacting a hospital emergency is always an option, and the type of situation those people are well-prepared to handle.

Take it seriously, and make an effort to try to understand what they are going through. Make sure to educate yourself as much as possible on the subject, and then just be there for them. Lots of love and support is key! However, remember that sometimes they will probably need their space and need to just be sad - and allowing themto have that is all part of showing them you care.

Empathy, be their best friend. Show you care. Listen without giving advice. Support.. and if necessary, convince them to seek help. People often forget there is an art to silence. You can often say more by just being with someone than filling the silence with words. Depressed people often do not feel like talking but they do appreciate your presence. Keep an eye on them and if they start talking about suicide it is probably time to get professional help even if they do not agree. They might not be happy about it in the moment but later when the depression has lifted they will thank you for saving their life.

Try to be more understanding. Try to listen to their problems and help and support them during difficult times

You just have to talk to them and help them get through it just let them know you are there! People always need someone!

you should help them through it as much as you can and support them to get help and mention it not too often but enough where they will remember

I've never had a spouse so I would never know how to deal with this. I've had read a lot of fan fictions on it, and I would say that only thing you can do is to be there for them. If they don't want you there, then don't. Sometimes you have to let the ones you love figures things out on their own and do it their own ways. Everyone heals eventually. It might take days, months, maybe even years. Just don't give up on them.

Offering support and listening can help your spouse greatly, however you may also need support as this is a big commitment.

if they already have a counselor you are on the right path, if not that might be a very positive alternative. communication is very good, helps them realize all those negative thoughts

I would have been supportive. Trying to take care I don't do or say something which triggers his depression. I would have also understood that depression often makes people feel like they want to be isolated and don't feel like working. I would have encouraged him to not bottle up his feelings and to share them. Most importantly depressed people may think of suicide, so it's important to keep noticing if there is any change in behaviour or anything he says that might hint he has any suicidal thoughts so to prevent it.

you give them all of your love, affection and support them through every step of the way and watch them slowly recover

Try to be supportive and encourage them to seek help. Understand their trouble and support them through it.

In my experience, I think the most important thing is to just be there. When they're at a low point, you can ask if there's anything they want - whether that's talking, curling up on the sofa together, doing some colouring, making a pillow fort to hide in, or just getting a hot drink - but a lot of the time, they might not want anything. You don't have to try to fix things. A lot of the time, you won't be able to anyway, and insisting that there must be something you can when there isn't do may make them feel worse. Just acknowledge that things are hard, and reassure them they you are going to be there with them through this. Reassure them that they aren't any of the bad things their brain is telling them they are when they're in a low point, that you still care for them, and you aren't going anywhere.

Just be there for them. Look to get them help. Even though they are depressed, you can still show them that you are encouraged to bring them to a better place

Help them out as much as you can, tell them that they are loved every second that you get and try to have them get medical help if it gets really bad. Don't leave them because they are depressed though, because that will make it even worse. Good luck

Try to be supportive, Learn more about their condition. Show sympathy and empathy. It is important to understand that this doesnt not change over night! You have to work on it together and this is what marriage it about.

Give them love all the time remind them how important they are everyday and tell them why you love them and need them