If one’s partner is depressed, the other person in the relationship is also extremely stressed. The assumption that there is a sick person and their healthy counterpart is wrong.
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Psychologist Guy Bodenmann conducts research on stress and mental disorders in relationships. In an interview, he explains why depression always affects the partner and how to get through difficult phases together.
The risk of developing depression in the course of life is quite high: it is between twelve and 20 percent. So, as a couple, should you prepare for the possibility that depression might hit one of you?
When we get married, we promise each other: in good times and in bad. We should be much more aware that this applies not only to married couples, but to all relationships that are designed for the long term. It’s a privilege when you get to share good times together, but choosing to walk the path together isn’t just a cakewalk. There are always stones along the way, and one should be prepared to clear them aside together.