Your partner's mental health helps you build a strong relationship together. If they're facing challenges like depression, they may need your encouragement to see a counselor for therapy. Watch for these signs and if you see them, encourage your loved one to make an appointment.

How to Tell If Your Partner Is Depressed 

1. Altered Sleep Patterns

Both excessive sleeping and insomnia are linked with depression. These sleep problems can appear before other mental health symptoms or may develop later. Either way, your loved one is likely to experience fatigue, which can worsen their mood.

2. Changes in Eating

Similarly, both eating too much and eating too little can be caused by depression. Take note if your partner is not eating the same as usual, especially if they begin to experience either noticeable weight loss or weight gain. We tend to think of weight loss as healthy, but it isn’t when it’s a symptom of worsening self-care.

3. Loss of Interest

Depression and other mental health disorders change the balance of chemicals in the brain. This can make activities that your partner would usually enjoy feel less satisfying. For this reason, they may stop doing things they enjoy, like exercise or hobbies.

4. Hopelessness or Anxiety

Listen to the way your loved one talks about their feelings and life. Someone who is experiencing depression may sound pessimistic, disinterested, or hopeless about the future or the possible outcomes of various situations. Encourage your partner to open up to you or a mental health professional about these feelings. 

5. Mood Swings

Depression isn't just sadness. Your loved one's mood may vary wildly in ways which seem inappropriate or disproportionate to the situation. At times, they may feel numb, or they may become aggressive and experience unusually strong reactions to events.

If you or a loved one need mental health support, make an appointment with Winona Counseling Clinic in Minnesota. For over 30 years, they have provided compassionate and skilled counseling for individuals, couples, and families with services tailored to your unique circumstances. To schedule an appointment, call (507) 454-3900 or send a message online.