Depression is a serious and difficult concern that can have a huge impact on the health and wellness of one or both spouses in a marriage. However, there is a stigma around talking about mental health in a relationship. Or, at least how it affects it.
There have been marriages that have struggled and fallen apart that didn't have to due to depression where if the spouse who was suffering from depression had received treatment and the other spouse received psychoeducation on how to support their loved one, the marriage may have survived. In this blog, we will talk about how marriage counseling can be an opportunity to address depression in the marriage and its effects in a safe environment.
Marriage Counseling can Help Make the Marriage Stronger
I think we need to first address the reality that no one gets married to ruin their marriage or ruin another person's life. Depression is a heavy-hitting mental health concern that can affect everyone in the marriage or even the family. No individual is going to be able to handle all the challenges of a mental health concern on their own nor are they going to choose to inflict it on their spouse or family.
Marriage counseling can help to make a marriage stronger all before a marriage breaks down from the impacts of depression. The marriage and the spouses become more adaptable due to receiving support from a marriage counselor in Brentwood, TN. Spouses learn how to manage stressors, triggers, or any concerns moving forward; this way one spouse isn’t left with the burden of trying to manage a mental health concern within the marriage.
THE Cognitive Behavioral People Are Right
Events and stressors can lead up to a depressive episode, but the cognitive behavioral people (therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, etc.) are right when they say that it's more than that; it's also the individual's thought patterns, their history, their genetic risk for mental health struggle, and so much more that can contribute to their developing a depressive illness. For example, if mental health struggles run in the family, then they can strike at any time. And this happens.
However, these depressive episodes provide challenges for not only you but also for those around you. Those who you love and care about you. Marriage counseling can address all of this within the scope of the marriage and how depression can negatively affect it. It allows spouses to open up and honestly talk about the depression, how it's affecting them personally, but also how to move forward. But with time, proper care, individual therapy, and possibly medication, you can be okay. That's how your marriage can be with the help of a marriage counselor.
Breaking Away From the Stigma
When these couples have a place to go to express their feelings, emotions, and concerns surrounding depression, it can be easier for them to work and break through the stigma. The stigma associated with divorce, mental health, and relationships can drive spouses to not address things like depression in marriage counseling.
But what better place could there be to talk about this issue? Counseling is a place where you can talk to a skilled listener who understands your concerns surrounding your spouse's depression. Your marriage counselor also understands the circumstances and the ingredients that make for a supportive and healthy marriage. They get it. Your counselor will help you and give both you and your spouse support. So don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
A Space of Understanding
Marriage counseling is a space where you can go if you and your spouse are struggling. One way it can help is if you or your spouse's depression stems from manic/depressive cycles. If it does, knowing how their mood cycle works can help. It can help to know how to identify their triggers and how to best manage them in a safe environment.
This information can help you or your spouse know how best to help you or the other through an episode and help you both be able to recognize potential episodes before they occur.
Talking openly about depression can be a difficult task, but marriage counseling can be a safe space to have these discussions.
Counseling also Provides a Place for Vulnerability
Men can have trouble being vulnerable due to societal expectations that they always need to be strong and always in control. Counseling is a place where they don't have to uphold these expectations. Men can be vulnerable about their depression and how they feel in regards to it and their marriage.
Women, on the other hand, are hardwired from birth to talk about their feelings and can be open and obvious about having depression. Men often can't or don't. Instead, they will turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as working out for 3 hours at the gym every day or working around the clock while they avoid their feelings and neglect their families. Through marriage counseling men and women both can have a space to be vulnerable and open about their feelings, concerns and hopes for their marriage.
INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH A MARRIAGE COUNSELOR IN BRENTWOOD, TN?
Talking about depression in marriage counseling doesn't mean your marriage is less valid or any less important. In fact, it can help to make your marriage stronger in the long run. At Vitus Counseling, I will support you and your spouse, as you navigate the currents and ultimately reach a healthy place in your relationship. If you are ready to start your therapy journey you can follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (615)-709-5779.
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my approach to counseling.
Start overcoming the stigma around depression and marriage counseling!
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling, I offer a range of services to support you and your loved ones on your journey to emotional and mental well-being. I specialize in therapy for trauma or PTSD, as well as for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I provide addiction treatment for those seeking support for substance abuse. Vitus Counseling is located in Brentwood, TN outside of Nashville. However, I also offer online counseling to anyone living within the state of Tennessee, so I can offer you support even if you cannot make it to my clinic. Ready to start?
