I'm dating someone with depression and anxiety. What to do?
120 Answers
Last Updated: 01/04/2021 at 8:46pm
Moderated by
Lauren Abasheva, LMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor
A sex positive, and kink knowledgeable therapist with an open mindset and a clear understanding that we are all different.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 19th, 2016 5:05pm
well there is not much to do accept for be there with him. i am anonymous so you don't know this advice owner. all the person needs is a friend
Anonymous
May 19th, 2016 6:43pm
Listening is the most important thing. Do not force them into anything. Treat them with kindness and respect, like any other relationship.
Act normal, it's just like dating anyone else.. But if the subjects depression or anxiety comes up, you should stay on watch... If you let them know that you love them, and just are there for them, you're already doing a perfect job!
Anonymous
May 20th, 2016 1:44am
Let them know that you're there for them if they need to vent their problems or if they need help--they'll feel more comfortable talking to someone they know and trust rather than a perfect stranger.
Help him/her out through it. It will not only strengthen your relationship but making you feel like a better person. Don't always bring up issues that bother him/her. Instead do things together that make him/her happy and distracts them from the bothersome issue. Only discuss the matter when he/she wants to discuss the matter with you or when he/she breaks down. Otherwise try and keep him/her happy all the time.
Suggest them they need professional help and explain to them they are sick. Also, you are happy to help them look for it.
Try to be as understanding as possible. And be comforting and try to understand how your parter feels.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 1:34am
The best thing you can do is be there for them. Be empathetic. Just care for them like you usually would.
Be supportive and understanding and show that you're there for them. Try not to take it personally if your partner is feeling really down and you can't fix it - it's nothing you've done, they're just dealing with some really difficult thoughts and emotions. At the same time, make sure you practice self-care! You can't be there for someone else unless you're looking after yourself first! Being with someone with depression/anxiety can be really tough sometimes and your mental health is important too.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 8:28am
Be there for that person, maybe that person have only you he/she feels comfortable with and never leave that person alone
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 2:49pm
Always be there for them if they need to talk about it, maybe you could look at some of the usefull pages on here t see how to help them
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 3:01pm
People with mental health problems can be difficult to deal with especially if they are having a manic episode. Take your time and communication is the key.
Be there for them, give them the feeling you want to help and be there for your partner, ask what he/she likes to hear or do if there's something wrong while having an anxiety attack or something else, give them some space when they need it.
Be patient with them they are taking a big step by going into a relationship.Give them space dont push them into doing something that they dont want to
Be understanding and as accommodating as possible. At the same time don't let your significant other's depression and anxiety rule your life.
Learn about what he/she likes and don't like . Keep that person around things that calm them . Learn the pros and cons
Dating someone with any such issue can be hard, but it can also be extremely rewarding. You need to find together the fine line between being patient and not treating them like they are sick. You also need to find together the means to communicate when things are tough, trying to hurt each other as little as possible. It takes time, honesty (blunt at points), and deep care; most of all, companionship.
Help them overcome it. Know from their view whats is bothering and understand it from their perspective to assure them that you can feel whats going on with them, and try to solve it from your perspective(What would you if you were in that position). If you can't, Just be there.
Just Be there every time/all the time.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2016 10:20pm
You might find it helpful to refer your significant other to a therapist in the community. These individuals are trained to help with serious issues!
You should be there for them and don't lead them on. If you seriously love the tell them, I hope this helps also talk to them
Make sure they know your there for them when they need someone. Help them with their problems and ask them questions so that they don't keep their feelings bolted up.
Put trust on them, always be there next to them whenever they need you because the only person they trust is you. Grab the chance and be the right person for them
Anonymous
June 1st, 2016 4:54pm
Support them and never let them belittle themselves. Show them love and support every day, be there for them.
Anonymous
June 1st, 2016 9:54pm
The most important thing about dating someone who struggles with depression and anxiety is making sure that they know you love them, and that you make sure to try and listen to them rather than saying stuff like "Why don't you just love yourself" or "Why don't you just smile and be happy", as this is not something they can control. Dating someone who has these struggles can be difficult for you as well, so you have to be prepared for that.
Take time to care for them. Remember that anxiety and depression cannot be controlled, only helped! :)
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2016 12:51am
Always be there for them when they need a shoulder to lean on. Knowing someone is by their side, making them comfortable will slowly help them.
If your dating someone who has a serious problem like depression then tread carefully. Its important never to tell someone to "Get over it". Depression isn't something that someone can just get over, its a serious illness. If your dating someone who suffers from this then help them to get help, professional help can often be a great thing. Remember though when you are speaking about getting help to always do so positively as it can often be viewed as a negative thing. Don't let their illness take over your life either. Take time for yourself and do not let yourself get burned out.
Dating someone with depression and anxiety can be hard. Always ensure to be patient with them, and be their best friend.
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2016 11:22pm
love them like you would with some without the two disorders. your significant other deserves all the love you can give. you just need to be supportive.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2016 4:07am
If you are dating someone with depression and anxiety it is important that they know you are going to be there for them through the good days and bad days. You need to be understanding and empathetic towards them, especially if you've never suffered from either depression or anxiety. Always be willing to talk, and if you feel they need professional help, please help them get the services they need. Having strong relationships with others can be really important for your partner while they work through their depression and anxiety, just make sure you are always there for them.
Related Questions: I'm dating someone with depression and anxiety. What to do?
What do you do when you have no passion or drive?My anxiety is getting worse and depression won't let me live my life, how do I overcome this?I feel sad a lot, unmotivated, and I often can't stop crying for many hours. But I sleep and eat decently and I also can smile or laugh sometimes. Am I depressed or just sad?How to get things done professionaly at work when I'm very depressed?How do I keep myself from getting to attached to people?I am struggling with codependency and depression. I cannot afford therapy. What can I do to get help?How do I help explain to a parent that what I feel is valid after they reacted badly?How can I open up to people more even if it scares me?How to deal with depression fallout?Why do I hate myself so much?