Supporting Your Partner Through Long-Term Stress And Depression

This is a guest article by Lucy Wyndham

Stress levels have been up by 56% in South Africa since 2020, and depression rates are also on the rise. If you have a partner who is experiencing long-term stress or depression, you may be concerned and wonder how you can help. The first step is undoubtedly encouraging them to seek professional help. This is because depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, and stress itself is a trigger for anxiety and depression. Your partner’s therapist can determine which approaches - including psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy - are suitable for your partner, but there is plenty you can do to help.

Spending ‘Green Time’ Together

Outdoor activities such as walking in green areas can help battle depression and stress, as found in a study by researchers from the University of Michigan Health System. Exercising outside with others is ideal, and is linked to lower depression, less perceived stress, and better mental health and wellbeing. All you need to do is take a few minutes of your day to head out with your loved one to a park, forest, beach, or other nature-filled area. A Cornell University study showed that just 10 minutes in this type of setting boosts happiness, and reduces the effects of physical and mental stress.

Expressing Your Support Through Small Details

If your partner is a die-hard romantic who loves small, meaningful details, find ways to let them know that they are not alone and that you can affront life’s difficulties as a team. You might decide to leave them an uplifting note in their lunchbox, plan an unexpected weekend getaway (or even a romantic meal), or surprise them with stress-busting gadgets, accessories or games. Just a few affordable ideas for presents include a vibrating massage ball roller, a Lumie Bodyclock (which gently wakes people up by making the room brighter over the course of 30 minutes), or an essential oil diffuser. Use essential oils like bergamot to cheer them up, and lavender to calm them down when they're feeling stressed-out.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Did you know that couples that integrate other couples into their social lives are likely to have happier relationships? Building strong friendships and networks can benefit people battling stress and depression in many ways, helping them feel like they have more than one person to talk to, spend time with, and enjoy hobbies and activities. As stated in research by Allen & Badcock (2003), disconnection from others can be particularly tough for people with depression. Steger and Kashdan (2010), meanwhile, have found that people with depression “find greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives when they meet their need to belong, suggesting an important role for positive social relationships in buttressing these important cognitive perspectives on life.”

Depression and stress are both common among adults in South Africa. If your partner is battling these conditions, it is important that they seek professional help, since depression, in particular, is linked to suicidal thoughts. Partners can do many things to help ease the burden on their loved one. These include spending time together outdoors, surprising them with meaningful details, and encouraging them to spend time with friends and family.