I think my partner has depression

How do I know if my partner is experiencing depression?

Depression puts a great deal of stress on any relationship. 

In my previous blog we discussed typical symptoms of stress to be alert to in relation to your partner.

In this blog we will look at:

What you can do if you notice the symptoms of depression in your partner.

 To brooch this topic with your partner requires:

•   sensitivity
•   listening with you head and your heart and
•  excellent communication skills. 

Crucial Conversations

 This is a tough, touchy issue and what I call a crucial conversation because there is a lot at stake and the emotions are running high.  

Here is the advice The Trail Blazing Woman offers on preparing yourself for this crucial conversation with your partner so that you get the best outcome for all involved: 

        1. Choose the right time and place to have an open conversation with your partner about what you are noticing and how it is impacting on you and the family.  You could start a conversation like this with …I have noticed over the past few weeks you seem to be

                               ….. Is there a particular reason for this

        2. Try to pin point the root cause.   Use your intuition and your well tuned listening skills.   Is it

• Work pressure
• Family concerns
• Financial concerns
• Health issues?

         3. Let’s have a look at what not to do!   Steer clear of unhealthy dialogue!

 Would you like a glimpse at unhealthy dialogue just to make sure you steer clear of this when you choose to have this discuss with your partner?

 Unhealthy dialogue revolves around:

• Proving a point
• Winning the argument
• Reverting to silence
• Forcing your point of view
• Saving face
• Avoiding embarrassment

Any of this sounding familiar? 

For you to get the desired outcome you want for your partner and relationship please take the time to do a check on your attitudes and ensure none of this unhealthy dialogue is influencing the words you choose to use.

 Here’s something important to remember:

 Skillful, inspirational people start their conversations from the heart …… that’s right – they start with the heart.

How can you ensure that you start all your conversations from the heart?  Well, simply by understanding what healthy dialogue is. 

Healthy dialogue is:

• communicating through mutual respect
• not seeking to place blame
• keeping focussed on positive outcomes for all concerned.  Take the time to ask yourself – “what really do I want for this person/relationship?”
• remembering the principle of Work on Me First, Improve my own approach.

These are just a few examples of healthy dialogue.  There are more that which I will share with you at another time. 

If you follow these principles and communication strategies you are sure to reach a turning point in your situation. 

If you would like to know more about these communication strategies and principles I have shared in this blog you can contact me at christine@trailblazingwoman.com.  

 I would welcome discussing this further with you so that your situation is turned around and your partner begins their return journey to wholeness and wellbeing.

 Christine McRae, The Trail Blazing Woman, christine@trailblazingwoman.com.au

©January 2010, The Trail Blazing Woman