Is depression causing your marriage to end? If you’ve been wondering this, it may not be because of you. It is likely because of your spouse’s depression, which is likely to make your spouse feel isolated and may make him or her feel like a failure as a parent. But there’s more to it than that. While this may be true, the final nail in the coffin can be the effect it has on your children. Though they may not be able to express their worries, they may sense that something is not right. And if they’re anything like many children, they’ll try to help out the adults in their lives the best they can. Here’s the effect depression can have on your children if you’re already in a failing marriage:
Children of Depressed Parents
In this situation, the parents have experienced a bout of depression and are experiencing low moods. These are likely to make the parents feel sad, isolated, and less likely to enjoy their daily activities. The depressed parents may also make negative comments about themselves and others, and have an increased tendency to engage in risky behaviors. The parents may also have trouble completing tasks in their daily lives, and their children may also witness their parents engaging in risky behaviors, such as drinking too much, driving too fast, and taking drugs. Children of depressed parents are likely to feel the same way their parents do, and may also experience low self-esteem. If the depression is severe, it may also lead to suicidal thoughts.
Children of Divorced Parents
Children are likely to notice that their parents are having problems, which could make them feel uncomfortable. And they may also see signs of a separation, such children may notice that their parents aren’t spending as much time together, and have less fighting. If the parents are separated, children are likely to feel confused, and if they’re already exhibiting signs of depression, they’re also at an increased risk of developing a depressive disorder.
The Effects of Depression on Children
Children of depressed parents may also exhibit signs of depression themselves. This is likely because depression is highly contagious, and children often see their parents as role models. Those children who experience depression may also have low self-esteem, and may exhibit signs of anger and irritability. And they may also have trouble concentrating, sleeping well, and maintaining friendships.
How to Help Your Child Deal with a Parent in Depression
First, learn about the facts about depression. Learning about how it affects your spouse and your family may help you better understand what’s going on. And it may also help your spouse feel accepted and cared for, as you try to help out with the children. Next, try to find a healthy outlet for your anger. It’s not healthy to yell at your spouse, and it’s also not healthy to stay in a depressed state. Both of these will increase the risk of your spouse committing suicide. Finally, learn how to help your spouse with their depression. Though most people don’t like to think about it, it’s something that can be managed.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering if your marriage is ending because of your spouse’s depression, it may not be your fault. It is possible that your spouse’s depression is causing your marriage to end, as it can make your spouse feel isolated, which may make him or her feel like a failure as a parent. But there’s more to it than that. While this may be true, the final nail in the coffin can be the effect it has on your child. Though they may not be able to express their worries, they may sense that something is not right. And if they’re anything like many children, they’ll try to help out the adults in their lives the best they can.
