What do I do with the desire for sexuality?
Loss of libido is a symptom of depression and can also be a side effect of antidepressant medication. In a depressive episode, sexual activity usually has little priority for the person concerned. Of course, the relationship with the partner suffers from this.
The situation becomes particularly problematic if the person affected feels guilty about it. Then intimacy with the partner becomes a further burden that the person in his depression cannot cope with. Therefore, one should not put pressure on one’s depressed partner, no matter how great the desire for sexuality may be.
A lack of sexuality usually leads to the failure of the relationship under other circumstances, but one should consider that it is not the lack of sexuality but the depression that threatens the relationship. Instead of wanting to boost the sex life, it is therefore more sensible to combat depression as such. There is therefore nothing left to do but to put your desire for sexuality in the background and support your partner in his or her therapy.
How do I deal with the fact that my depressed partner can no longer show any feelings towards me?
Nobody wants a one-sided relationship in which no confirmation comes back. You can say the same to a person with depression.It is important not to formulate this as an accusation, but to show understanding for the symptoms of the other and to speak openly about the emotions of both parties. If the partner is in such a deep depression that he or she cannot understand his or her partner, only a professional therapy can be successful.
How do I deal with the desire for distance?
Some patients do not withdraw from their partner, but overtax him or her as their only caregiver with their fears and worries. But you can and should talk to your partner about this as well. Therapists and self-help groups are there to take care of the affected person. Seeking help from one of these contact points therefore relieves both partners.
