Why Depression Is Contagious And What To Do About It

If your spouse or partner is down in the dumps, you are at risk of catching the same mood. This is particularly so if the mood lasts for more than a few days or is associated with a clinical condition.

Should you find yourself slipping under, you need to know why depression is contagious and what to do about it. The reality is you can pick up on your partner's mood cues and follow them to your own detriment.

You can also end up doing your partner, and your relationship together, more harm than good.

Why depression is contagious and what to do about it will hinge a bit on how serious the condition happens to be. A passing bad mood shouldn't be a concern, but long-term depression can cause real issues. It does help to understand this clinical condition a little more.

About Depression

Depression is a serious medical condition that involves a long-term sense of being down. People with depression tend to be sad, feel hopeless, may harbor feelings of guilt and may even consider suicide.

Feeling "blue" for a short time is not clinical depression. When symptoms of isolation, helplessness and sadness last for several weeks at a time clinical depression may be to blame.

Why Depression Is Contagious

Medical researchers have found that people who are around others with clinical conditions tend to mimic the symptoms. Essentially, the old saying misery loves company comes into play.

Although depression isn't technically "contagious" in the way a cold is, it can have people who are exposed to it acting in a similar manner.

Why depression is contagious and what to do about it is a matter of mind over matter for the other partner in a relationship.

"Catching" this condition happens because the actual sufferer's mood can and will impact the partner. After all, people are emotionally invested in their partners. When one is sad, the other tends to feel empathy. It just makes sense.

While the non-affected partner may not actually acquire the clinical condition, that person's mood and overall attitude can mirror the affected partner's rather closely.

Living with a person who suffers from depression can take a toll on everyone in the picture.

Combating The 'Spread' Of Depression

There are very good reasons why non-affected partners need to know why depression is contagious and what to do about it. The truth is there are many things that can be done so the condition doesn't "spread."

Partners who wish to help themselves and their loved one can try these things:

Getting treatment for the impacted partner - If clinical depression is suspected, medical advice is almost always a must.

Facing this condition alone can be extremely difficult. This is especially so if the symptoms are appearing in both parties. Medications, counseling and other measures can make a very big difference.

Trying to remain positive - While it can be very difficult to remain positive while living in a home with a depression sufferer, it is important.

Controlling your own mood can help you maintain your identity and may even ease the road to recovery for the impacted partner. Focus on positive aspects in life and try to retain control over your own emotions.

Using positive affirmations - Why depression is contagious and what to do about it is vital to understand to maintain your own psychological health in the face of illness.

Partners who suffer from depression or other clinical conditions might not be as supportive as you might like during the illness. To keep yourself up, try using positive affirmations. These can keep you grounded and help you retain control over yourself.

When clinical conditions are an issue, it's important to understand why depression is contagious and what to do about it. There are steps you can take to maintain your own mood and your health. Doing so is important.

After all, no one is responsible for your happiness except you. With patience and understanding, you can work through the issues you face.