by Sarah V Reid

Created on: January 08, 2009

Depression can adversely affect all relationships, from friendship and romance to family relationships.

One reason for this can be that many sufferers of depression begin to isolate themselves as a result of their symptoms. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and avoid social events and situations.

This self-imposed isolation may lead the sufferer to feel that friends or loved ones no longer care about them. This can create a vicious cycle of loneliness and make the depressed person retreat further into their own world.

In addition, the symptoms of depression may manifest as irritability or tearfulness. This can cause the sufferer to become short-tempered, snapping at others for no apparent reason. Alternatively, they may be reduced to tears or become highly emotional at the slightest thing. Misunderstandings can flare up into full-blown arguments; an innocent comment taken the wrong way can result in feelings of being unloved.

All of this can make being around someone suffering from depression a very uncomfortable situation. Friends or family may feel that they are the cause of this anger or upset, not realising that it is actually a symptom of depression.

Continual rejection of invitations to social events or cancellation of plans eventually leads to them no longer being extended. Friends think they are doing what the depressed person wishes them to do, while the sufferer feels they are being forgotten about or neglected.

Romantic relationships can suffer more than any other as a result of depression.

Often, people vent their anger and emotions at those closest to them. Spouses and partners can, in many cases, bear the brunt of loved ones'
emotional turmoil.

Further, depression may result in a dramatic reduction in libido and enjoyment of the act of making love. Even if this is not a symptom of depression itself, it is a common side effect of many antidepressant medications.

This may come across to the depressed person's partner as a lack of desire. The partner may feel that they are no longer attractive to their other half. Love making creates closeness between couples and such a decline in intimacy will serve to create distance between partners.

The good news is that relationships can survive depression, and can even come through it stronger.

In conjunction with a qualified medical professional, the symptoms of depression can be alleviated and the illness successfully treated. A doctor can also assist with reduced libido, either prescribing antidepressants if this appears to be a symptom of depression or making changes to existing medication if that is the cause.

Honesty and understanding are the best methods of preventing relationship problems arising during a period of depression.

Discussing with friends the fears and emotions that make socialising difficult will lead to them having a greater understanding of the issues. In turn, this will make them less likely to "give up" on a friend suffering from depression. Friends who can offer the patience and understanding to persevere during times like these and who make an effort to engage their depressed pal are true friends to be cherished forever.

Explaining to a partner that a lack of interest in love making is not a reflection of their attractiveness or the state of the relationship, but is a symptom of depression or side effect of medication will go a long way to healing any potential rift that has been caused. Understanding from the partner that this is a result of a medical condition will help them to rediscover intimacy and closeness as a couple.

Seeking medical assistance as required and being as open as possible with loved ones can make all the difference in how depression affects your relationships.

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