"Love Unboxed: How to Support a Partner with Depression"

Episode Summary: In this episode of Love Unboxed, Dr. Colleen introduces a special series dedicated to supporting partners with emotional struggles, starting with depression. Through a relatable story of Sally and Johnny, Dr. Colleen unpacks the challenges of maintaining a relationship when one partner is dealing with depression.

She explains the signs of depression, how it manifests differently between men and women, and offers practical advice for partners navigating this tough situation. Dr. Colleen also emphasizes the importance of self-care for those supporting a partner with depression, providing four key steps for maintaining balance in the relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• Depression affects millions worldwide and can have a significant impact on relationships.
• Signs of depression in men often include irritability and withdrawal, as seen in Johnny’s behavior.
• Supporting a partner with depression involves encouraging professional help, practicing patience, taking care of your own emotional health, and allowing space for breaks from the topic.
• Self-care is critical when supporting a partner with depression—don’t forget to prioritize your own needs.
• Long-term treatment for depression often includes therapy and medication management.

Tips for Supporting a Partner with Depression:

1. Encourage them to seek professional help.
2. Be patient and understanding, even when depression doesn’t seem to have an obvious cause.
3. Take care of your own emotional health—engage in activities you enjoy and nurture your social connections.
4. Take emotional breaks and allow both yourself and your partner space from focusing solely on their depression.

Quotes from Dr. Colleen:

• "Supporting a partner with depression can be a challenging experience, but by educating yourself, listening, encouraging them to get professional help, being patient, and practicing self-care, you can help your partner through their journey in and out of depressive episodes."
• "Although depression can be difficult to get through, it is possible for your partner to regain their emotional health and happiness—and I want you to preserve yours at the same time."

Listener Engagement: Dr. Colleen is eager to hear your relationship questions! Submit your voicemails at loveunboxpodcast.com for a chance to have your question featured and answered in a future episode.

Follow Dr. Colleen on Social Media:

• Instagram: @DrColleenMullen
• TikTok: @LoveUnboxPodcast

Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. As the podcast grows, Dr. Colleen hopes to increase the frequency of new releases, so subscribing ensures you won’t miss out!

Next Episode: Stay tuned for the next episode in the series, where Dr. Colleen will dive into supporting a partner with anxiety.

To my fellow Hopeful Romantics, let's keep hope alive. 

These notes were generated by AI. 

More Resources from Dr. Colleen 

• My Mindful Reflections: A Daily Journal for Better Mental Health (get it on Amazon) -  This is a journal designed by Dr. Colleen.  You can use it to track your emotions, highlight  special moments, learn from difficult ones , let go of daily steam through daily narrative pages , and even learn to give yourself permission to take a break.
• Do you want to hire Dr. Colleen to help you?  Please check out her work at DrColleenMullen.com. 

Upcoming Workshops 

"Date Differently"  - for singles who want to break free from past relationship obstacles. 

"Love Them More " - for those in committed relationships who  want to  protect their relationship from future obstacles. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW! 

1. AMAZON.COM Use code LoveUnboxed-20 at checkout when you make your regular purchases on Amazon or visit Dr. Colleen's Amazon storefront.  You won't pay anything extra, but Dr. Colleen will make a small commission on what you purchase.
2. TBD:  Patreon- FInd out the perks of joining the Hopeful Romantic community!

Disclaimer

This show exists only for educational and/or entertainment purposes.  Although Dr. Mullen is a licensed therapist, in the capacity of  her show-hosting duties, she is not your therapist. This show is not meant as a replacement for therapy.  

• Dr. Colleen creates stories of people who are not meant to mimic, copy, or otherwise represent any specific person. These are characters she creates using various  data points from multiple people. Any likeness to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidence. 
•  

Resources for Finding a Mental Health Professional in the U.S. 

1. Therapy Den
2. Psychology Today
3. Mental Health Matters
4. Therapy for Black Girls
5. Dial 211 to be connected to a Social Services Helpline in your area that can provide you with information on mental health resources in your area.
6. The National Suicide Prevention Helpline.  or call 988    If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, they are there to help.

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