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
Give them your full support and love and always there to catch them when they fall. All they need and want is support, support, support.
It depends what type of anxiety, and how bad their depression is. you can always ask them if there's anything youcan do to help. I think just always show them you care and love them, and be careful not to say anything to trigger their depression and anxiety. If you want any ideas or tips you can always talk to me....I'm JustChloe23 and know about anxiety and depression
Be patient. Often depressed people need a lot of extra time to feel comfortable enough to open up to those they have in their lives. Also learn not to take things personally, a depressed person acting out on their depression might make extra demands on you and even attack you verbally, realise it is about what they are going through and not necessarily a reflection on you personally.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2016 4:55pm
You love them for who they are, including their problems - although you may find it hard at times - the best thing that you could do is just support them in all the ways that you can and let them know that your there for them.
You can complete them often and try to be as comforting and caring as you can. Make sure to let them know that you are always there and that you are there for them
First, love on yourself and your wellness; then, love on them and their recovery. (Appropriate and effective therapy works too!)
Anonymous
June 4th, 2016 7:38pm
just be there. try to understand. hold his/her hand while she/he try to fix themselves. love them. it's already hard for them, don't make it worse.
Anonymous
June 4th, 2016 9:03pm
when you love a person with depression and anxiety, it is important that you are by his/her side. Love is the answer : caring, communicating, lots of hugs, cuddling, little kisses, doing a wish cloud together, yoga, meditation, dancing, mantras, water, fresh food is very important, you know soulb's it's those little things :)
Be supportive and empathetic to them. They probably are going through a touch time right now. Try to listen to them and comfort them when you can, but if it feels overwhelming, take some deep breaths yourself.
If you are dating someone with depression and anxiety it is not going to be easy but the main thing is try and be there for them and help them through their issues. When they need someone to talk to listen, if they need to cry welcome them in with open arms. And if you aren't so sure if you are doing the right thing ask family or friends and get advise if needed. But understand that both depression and anxiety are serious conditions and should be taken seriously.
Anonymous
June 5th, 2016 9:35pm
Tell them you love and care about them and will always be there for them if they need to talk to someone
Anonymous
June 8th, 2016 4:42am
Be patient with them. They are no different then anyone else. The way their feelings affect them on an intensified scale is often not a choice. For if they had the choice they wouldn't be depressed or feel anxious, but they are human and sometimes these feelings can be inevitable in this crazy ride we call life. These things to not define who they are,they are great people! Just be honest with them and gentle for they are often fragile as well and like any other person they deserve kindess, love, understanding, and honesty.
If you're dating someone with depression and anxiety you want to make sure you're around. Let them know that you mean you're there for them but also don't over do it. Be careful and make sure you have fun with them and remind them on how much they mean to you. All in all just make them feel the love they deserve.
Anonymous
June 8th, 2016 7:41pm
Well, every person is different, it's difficult to estimate reason of it. The only people who would know how to help her/him is you, family or his/her personal therapist. But in common knowledge you should approach this matter carefully without pressuring him/her too much, because it could be that him/her doesn't want to talk about it and make things even worse.
First steps would be:
1. To raise the question about it and how they are feeling about it.
2. What is causing it, like "Why are you afraid to talk large groups of people?
3. Try figuring out what actions to take and how to do it.
Try to get them to open up to you. Talk about their feelings. Make sure they know that you are there for them.
Anonymous
June 9th, 2016 9:49am
The best thing you can do is be there for them. Listen, and be kind and caring. Don't try to change or fix them!
Treat them how you wish to be treated. Don't give them special treatment because this may make them feel alienated. If this person's depression and anxiety is putting a strain on your relationship, you may have to ask yourself if you're mentally strong enough for it to not affect you.
Anonymous
June 10th, 2016 2:14am
If you really love them then try to help them. I'm sure they would appreciate you standing by them and comforting them
Just try to be there for them try to get him/her some professional help try to make him/her calm made relaxed
Just like on 7 Cups, listening to her can be a powerful gesture that shows her you care! Listening will let you better understand what she's going through & make her feel a little better as well. Just ask her a couple questions that may get her to talk about it & go from there! Just remember to listen to everything she says with an open mind & open heart. :)
Be there for them, as tough as it is. Don't let them go, and try to understand them. If they tell you they need to think, let them think for a bit, but don't leave their side if they need to.
Be patient with them. They cannot always bring under words what they are feeling and can be overwhelmed. Be there for them and listen if they want to talk, but never pressure them. Ask them what triggers their anxiety and what they need you do to if it happens.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2016 4:20pm
Talk to them. Tell them its going to be Ok. Ask if they have talked to there parents, and if they didnt tell this person to because it will get better after you tell them and ask for help.
I feel like the most important thing is to just be there for them. When you're dating someone with a mental illness it isn't always about having the right things to say. More often than not it's just about being there for them when they need you. It's about being there rock and shoulder to cry on not about being their therapist. Just let them know how much you care and that you're there for them.
I think the most important thing is to let them know you care. They probably feel alone, but it might also be hard for you, just know he or she really cares about you and how you help them.
Just be there for them and accept them. And don't think that because there are good things in their life (like you) hat it will be magically fixed
Anonymous
June 16th, 2016 10:09pm
Always make sure to tell the person how much you love and care about him/her. Make him/her feel special. Make sure he/she is not feeling down about themselves.
Be supportive! Best thing you can do for them. Get them to talk to you, don't push and try your best not to lose patience if they hit a bumpy patch.
Anonymous
June 19th, 2016 6:31am
Start by learning about depression and how to talk about it with your friend or family member. But as you reach out, don’t forget to look after your own emotional health. Thinking about your own needs is not an act of selfishness—it’s a necessity. Your emotional strength will allow you to provide the ongoing support your depressed friend or family member needs.
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2016 7:36pm
Try to be there for them no matter what, try to understand what they are going through, depression and anxiety is something very tough to go through.
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?