Can a depressed spouse just snap out of it?

A depressed spouse can’t just “snap out of it” or “get on with life.” The reason: Depression is marked by dramatic shifts in brain chemistry that alter mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, and energy levels, Scott-Lowe explains. (These are 17 other facts psychologists wish people knew about depression .)

How do I know if my husband is depressed?

If you notice that your spouse isn’t acting, feeling, or thinking as he or she normally does, ask yourself if it could be depression, but don’t stop there. Depression may be the reason your spouse is working extremely long hours, drinking too much, using recreational drugs, or looking for thrills in risky activities.

Should you tell your husband to snap out of the depression fog?

When you do, you’ll no longer find yourself tempted to tell him to “snap out of it.” You won’t need to because soon, he will be out of the depressed fog and seeing possibilities and feeling hopeful. He’ll also be feeling proud, competent and accomplished again. After all, the woman who knows him best in the world treats him that way.

Is depression Ruining Your Marriage?

If there’s depression in your marriage, it’s time to act—for your partner and yourself, Walfish says. Waiting increases the chances that your relationship won’t last; couples where one or both partners are depressed are significantly more likely to divorce than couples who aren’t depressed, according to a study published in BMC Public Health.

Why is my husband so depressed all the time?

Depression may be the reason your spouse is working extremely long hours, drinking too much, using recreational drugs, or looking for thrills in risky activities. It can also look different in men and women, she adds. Don’t wait for your spouse to hit bottom

Is your spouse pulling away from you?

Every couple has bad days, but for the most part, you should get the feeling that your spouse genuinely enjoys spending time with you. If the sense of playfulness is gone and your spouse rarely laughs with you, it could be a sign that one of you has pulled away, said Alicia H. Clark, a psychologist in Washington, D.C.