{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage","path":"/library/depression-and-marriage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage","title":"How Depression Affects Marital Relationships","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover how depression affects marriage, causing stress and dissatisfaction, and why communication and support are vital for recovery.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/depression-and-marriage","wordpressId":"4708","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/sally-connolly#person","name":"Sally Connolly","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/sally-connolly"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jenni-jacobsen"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2025-05-17T14:04:58Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T20:54:46Z","lastReviewed":"2025-01-31"},"content":{"html":"

How Depression Affects Marital Relationships

Medically reviewed by \"\"Morgan Blair – Written by \"\"Sally Connolly and \"\"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Published on · Updated on

Depression is a mental health problem with the potential to affect both partners in a marriage. While the person living with depression is coping with mental health symptoms, their spouse is also likely to be affected[1].

\"A

Key takeaways

  • Depression can affect both partners through changes in communication, shared activities, and intimacy.
  • Loss of pleasure or withdrawal may reflect depressive symptoms rather than diminished commitment to a spouse.
  • Listening, encouraging treatment, and protecting each partner’s well-being can support the relationship.

Understanding Depression in the Context of Marriage

\nDepression or major depressive disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition. To be diagnosed with major depression, a person must show at least 5 of the following symptoms, lasting for at least 2 weeks[2]:\n

    \n
  • Depressed or sad mood
    • \n
  • A lack of interest in or pleasure from typical activities
    • \n
  • Loss of appetite leading to weight loss without dieting or increased appetite with weight gain
    • \n
  • Sleeping too much or too little
    • \n
  • Changes in psychomotor behavior, which can include either slowed movements (psychomotor retardation) or purposeless restless behaviors (psychomotor agitation)
    • \n
  • Feeling fatigued
    • \n
  • Experiencing a sense of worthlessness or feelings of extreme, unreasonable guilt
    • \n
  • Struggling to think or make decisions
    • \n
  • Thinking repeatedly about death or making suicide attempts
    • \n

\nDepression in marriage affects not only the person experiencing the symptoms but also the spouse. Coping with depressive symptoms can lead to stress and reduced marital satisfaction over time[1].\n

A person living with depression may withdraw from usual interactions or become completely uninterested in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy with their spouse. As the person with depression loses energy and struggles to complete daily tasks, their spouse may have to take on increased burdens.

\nFurthermore, depression is associated with impairments in interpersonal functioning, which can take a negative toll on marital relations[3]. A spouse with depression may struggle to connect with their partner, show affection, and stay engaged in the relationship.\n

What Is Anhedonia?

\nUnderstanding anhedonia is essential for learning about how depression can cause marital disruption. Anhedonia refers to the loss of pleasure that occurs with depression, and it’s one of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. When people experience anhedonia with depression, they simply don’t find usual activities to be rewarding any longer[4]. This can include time spent with one’s spouse.\nOver time, anhedonia can lead to withdrawal from relationships and, in consequence, a lack of intimacy within marital relationships[5]. A person who doesn’t experience pleasure from emotional connection, physical intimacy, and time spent with their spouse will disengage from these activities.\n

How Does Depression Affect Communication in Marriages?

\nLiving with a depressed spouse can also mean that communication in the marriage begins to suffer. Research suggests people living with depression may have problems communicating, including difficulty listening to and understanding what is said[6]. Depression can also be associated with difficulty articulating emotions, which can lead to problems like avoiding conflict or attacking one’s spouse verbally during arguments[7].\n

Given depression can negatively affect communication, it’s essential to be supportive of your partner. Their struggles with communication can be linked to depressive symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness or difficulty concentrating. Staying engaged in communication and articulating feelings can be challenging when one is depressed. Practicing patience and understanding where your partner is coming from can go a long way.

\nSome other tips for healthy communication include[8]:\n

    \n
  • Trying to remain positive and warm
    • \n
  • Validating your partner’s perspective when they’re struggling
    • \n
  • Asking questions to ensure you understand their perspective
    • \n
  • Paraphrasing what your partner is communicating to you and allowing them to correct you if you’ve misunderstood
    • \n
  • Calmly communicating your feelings
    • \n
  • Communicating to compromise and find solutions
    • \n
  • Avoiding making criticisms of your partner, which can result in a demand-withdrawal pattern in which you make demands and the spouse with depression withdraws in response
    • \n

How to Support a Spouse with Depression

\nDepression can cause significant marital disruption, but supporting your spouse can reduce symptoms of depression and improve the health of your relationship. Consider the tips below for how to help a depressed spouse[9].\n

Learn About Mental Illness

\nThe more you know about depression, the better prepared you’ll be to support your spouse. Learn all you can about the symptoms and signs of depression. Knowing about the disorder will help you to understand your spouse better, increasing your empathy and allowing you to support them more effectively.\n

Offer a Listening Ear

\nYour spouse may need someone to talk to about what they’re going through, so it’s essential to communicate you’re there to listen. If your spouse does open up to you about their struggles, be prepared to listen without passing judgment. Provide support, validate their feelings, and try to be patient.\n

Encourage Them to Seek Treatment

\nDepression is a treatable illness, and many people improve with professional intervention. Remind them that asking for help is a sign of courage and a step in the right direction. If your spouse struggles to reach out, you might offer to search for treatment providers or accompany them to an appointment.\n

Remember to Care for Yourself

\nLiving with a depressed spouse can be challenging and take a negative toll on your well-being. Therefore, you must take time to care for yourself. You cannot support your spouse without managing your health and well-being. Be sure to take time to relax and participate in your hobbies. It can also be helpful to attend a support group for loved ones of individuals with a mental illness.\n

When to Seek Professional Help

\nIf depression symptoms are interfering with your spouse’s daily life and/or causing marital dissatisfaction, it’s probably time to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or psychiatrist, can offer evidence-based depression treatments – helping your spouse feel better and hopefully improving your marriage.\n

Depression is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. During individual psychotherapy sessions, a person with depression can learn coping skills and evaluate negative thinking patterns contributing to depression. Antidepressant medications can complement therapy and improve problems related to sleep, appetite, and concentration[10].

\nWhile individual therapy can be beneficial, couples therapy can be particularly effective for depression in marriage. Researchers have found that couples therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for reducing depression symptoms, as it increases support for the spouse with depression and improves communication and awareness[11]. Finally, during couples therapy sessions, the spouse without depression may become more accepting of the mental illness[12].\n

How to Rebuild Intimacy and Connection in Your Marriage

\nDepression can present challenges within marriages, including reduced intimacy; however, you can take steps to rebuild the connection you had with your spouse before depression took hold.\nBoth physical and emotional intimacy play a vital role in marital satisfaction, so it’s essential to cultivate both as you rebuild your connection. The tips below can help you navigate this journey[13]:\n

    \n
  • Take time to actively listen to your partner: Listening to your spouse is a key component of emotional intimacy. When your partner shares their concerns or feelings, remove distractions and listen to what they’re saying without simply waiting for your turn to speak.
    • \n
  • Schedule regular marriage check-ins: Regularly checking in with your partner, such as every week, can help rebuild emotional intimacy. Set aside time to sit down and discuss the state of the relationship. This is an opportunity to share your concerns and express what you need from the relationship. Be sure to comment not only on areas for improvement but also on what is going well.
    • \n
  • Praise your partner: The challenges that come with depression can take a toll on your relationship, and your partner may feel as if they aren’t living up to expectations. Taking time to express gratitude and appreciation can go a long way toward repairing your bond. You can offer praise for the simplest things, such as your partner's effort to spend time with you.
    • \n
  • Participate in shared hobbies: A spouse with depression may withdraw from usual activities, so shared hobbies are likely to have fallen by the wayside. Spending time together doing things you both enjoy will play a central role in creating newfound intimacy in your marriage.
    • \n
  • Be intentional about physical touch: Offering physical touch, such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing your partner, is essential for building physical intimacy. When you touch your partner, even in non-sexual ways, you’ll release the hormone oxytocin, which is involved in love, bonding, and trust. Building trust through physical touch, when combined with emotional closeness, can also pave the way for sexual intimacy.
    • \n

\nDepression in marriage can negatively affect both spouses, but there are ways to manage it. Depression is a treatable mental health disorder, and with support and understanding, your spouse can recover. Learning about depression, encouraging your spouse to participate in treatment, and taking time to rebuild intimacy can improve both you and your spouse's marital satisfaction in the aftermath of depression.

References

    \n
  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. National Library of Medicine
    2. \n
  2. Davila, J., Stroud, C. B., & Starr, L. R. (2014). Depression in couples and families. In I. H. Gotlib & C. L. Hammen (Eds.), Handbook of depression (3rd ed., pp. 410–428). The Guilford Press.
    3. \n
  3. Rizvi, S. J., Pizzagalli, D. A., Sproule, B. A., & Kennedy, S. H. (2016). Assessing anhedonia in depression: Potentials and pitfalls. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 65, 21–35. ScienceDirect
    4. \n
  4. Goodman, R. J., Samek, D. R., Wilson, S., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2019). Close relationships and depression: A developmental cascade approach. Development and Psychopathology, 31(4), 1451–1465. Cambridge University Press
    5. \n
  5. Çıkrıkçı, N. (2024). Explaining association between interpersonal communication competence and depression through need satisfaction, anxiety, and stress. Current Psychology, 43, 25468–25480. Springer
    6. \n
  6. Li, P.-F., & Johnson, L. N. (2016). Couples’ depression and relationship satisfaction: Examining the moderating effects of demand/withdraw communication patterns. Journal of Family Therapy. Wiley
    7. \n
  7. Deylami, N., Hassan, S. A., Alareqe, N. A., & Zainudin, Z. N. (2021). Evaluation of an online Gottman’s psychoeducational intervention to improve marital communication among Iranian couples. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 8945. MDPI
    8. \n
  8. Norian, I. (2022). Helping a loved one cope with mental illness. American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiatric Association
    9. \n
  9. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health
    10. \n
  10. Barbato, A., D’Avanzo, B., & Parabiaghi, A. (2018). Couple therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
    11. \n
  11. Cohen, S., O’Leary, K. D., Foran, H. M., & Kliem, S. (2014). Mechanisms of change in brief couple therapy for depression. Behavior Therapy, 45(3), 402–417. ScienceDirect
    12. \n
  12. Ganguli, P. (2024). Intimacy revisited: Investigating the role of emotional and physical closeness in marriage maintenance. Heritage Group of Institutions. Heritage Group of Institutions
    13. \n

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Sally Connolly

LCSW, LMFT

Sally Connolly has been a therapist for over 30 years, specializing in work with couples, families, and relationships. She has expertise with clients both present in the room as well as online through email, phone, and chat therapy.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Author

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Ph.D., LSW, MSW

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Morgan Blair

MA, LPCC

Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.

Reviewed

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Simone Hoermann Ph.D.

Personality disorders, anxiety, and depression

View experience
\"\"

Related communities

Depression

A place for understanding depression and sharing perspectives on its impact on daily life.

Explore community
","text":"HomeLibraryMarriageHow Depression Affects Marital RelationshipsHow Depression Affects Marital RelationshipsMedically reviewed by Morgan Blair – Written by Sally Connolly and Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Published on May 17, 2025 · Updated on August 25, 2025Depression is a mental health problem with the potential to affect both partners in a marriage. While the person living with depression is coping with mental health symptoms, their spouse is also likely to be affected[1].Key takeawaysDepression can affect both partners through changes in communication, shared activities, and intimacy.Loss of pleasure or withdrawal may reflect depressive symptoms rather than diminished commitment to a spouse.Listening, encouraging treatment, and protecting each partner’s well-being can support the relationship.Understanding Depression in the Context of Marriage Depression or major depressive disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition. To be diagnosed with major depression, a person must show at least 5 of the following symptoms, lasting for at least 2 weeks[2]: Depressed or sad mood A lack of interest in or pleasure from typical activities Loss of appetite leading to weight loss without dieting or increased appetite with weight gain Sleeping too much or too little Changes in psychomotor behavior, which can include either slowed movements (psychomotor retardation) or purposeless restless behaviors (psychomotor agitation) Feeling fatigued Experiencing a sense of worthlessness or feelings of extreme, unreasonable guilt Struggling to think or make decisions Thinking repeatedly about death or making suicide attempts Depression in marriage affects not only the person experiencing the symptoms but also the spouse. Coping with depressive symptoms can lead to stress and reduced marital satisfaction over time[1]. A person living with depression may withdraw from usual interactions or become completely uninterested in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy with their spouse. As the person with depression loses energy and struggles to complete daily tasks, their spouse may have to take on increased burdens. Furthermore, depression is associated with impairments in interpersonal functioning, which can take a negative toll on marital relations[3]. A spouse with depression may struggle to connect with their partner, show affection, and stay engaged in the relationship. What Is Anhedonia? Understanding anhedonia is essential for learning about how depression can cause marital disruption. Anhedonia refers to the loss of pleasure that occurs with depression, and it’s one of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. When people experience anhedonia with depression, they simply don’t find usual activities to be rewarding any longer[4]. This can include time spent with one’s spouse. Over time, anhedonia can lead to withdrawal from relationships and, in consequence, a lack of intimacy within marital relationships[5]. A person who doesn’t experience pleasure from emotional connection, physical intimacy, and time spent with their spouse will disengage from these activities. How Does Depression Affect Communication in Marriages? Living with a depressed spouse can also mean that communication in the marriage begins to suffer. Research suggests people living with depression may have problems communicating, including difficulty listening to and understanding what is said[6]. Depression can also be associated with difficulty articulating emotions, which can lead to problems like avoiding conflict or attacking one’s spouse verbally during arguments[7]. Given depression can negatively affect communication, it’s essential to be supportive of your partner. Their struggles with communication can be linked to depressive symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness or difficulty concentrating. Staying engaged in communication and articulating feelings can be challenging when one is depressed. Practicing patience and understanding where your partner is coming from can go a long way. Some other tips for healthy communication include[8]: Trying to remain positive and warm Validating your partner’s perspective when they’re struggling Asking questions to ensure you understand their perspective Paraphrasing what your partner is communicating to you and allowing them to correct you if you’ve misunderstood Calmly communicating your feelings Communicating to compromise and find solutions Avoiding making criticisms of your partner, which can result in a demand-withdrawal pattern in which you make demands and the spouse with depression withdraws in response How to Support a Spouse with Depression Depression can cause significant marital disruption, but supporting your spouse can reduce symptoms of depression and improve the health of your relationship. Consider the tips below for how to help a depressed spouse[9]. Learn About Mental Illness The more you know about depression, the better prepared you’ll be to support your spouse. Learn all you can about the symptoms and signs of depression. Knowing about the disorder will help you to understand your spouse better, increasing your empathy and allowing you to support them more effectively. Offer a Listening Ear Your spouse may need someone to talk to about what they’re going through, so it’s essential to communicate you’re there to listen. If your spouse does open up to you about their struggles, be prepared to listen without passing judgment. Provide support, validate their feelings, and try to be patient. Encourage Them to Seek Treatment Depression is a treatable illness, and many people improve with professional intervention. Remind them that asking for help is a sign of courage and a step in the right direction. If your spouse struggles to reach out, you might offer to search for treatment providers or accompany them to an appointment. Remember to Care for Yourself Living with a depressed spouse can be challenging and take a negative toll on your well-being. Therefore, you must take time to care for yourself. You cannot support your spouse without managing your health and well-being. Be sure to take time to relax and participate in your hobbies. It can also be helpful to attend a support group for loved ones of individuals with a mental illness. When to Seek Professional Help If depression symptoms are interfering with your spouse’s daily life and/or causing marital dissatisfaction, it’s probably time to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or psychiatrist, can offer evidence-based depression treatments – helping your spouse feel better and hopefully improving your marriage. Depression is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. During individual psychotherapy sessions, a person with depression can learn coping skills and evaluate negative thinking patterns contributing to depression. Antidepressant medications can complement therapy and improve problems related to sleep, appetite, and concentration[10]. While individual therapy can be beneficial, couples therapy can be particularly effective for depression in marriage. Researchers have found that couples therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for reducing depression symptoms, as it increases support for the spouse with depression and improves communication and awareness[11]. Finally, during couples therapy sessions, the spouse without depression may become more accepting of the mental illness[12]. How to Rebuild Intimacy and Connection in Your Marriage Depression can present challenges within marriages, including reduced intimacy; however, you can take steps to rebuild the connection you had with your spouse before depression took hold. Both physical and emotional intimacy play a vital role in marital satisfaction, so it’s essential to cultivate both as you rebuild your connection. The tips below can help you navigate this journey[13]: Take time to actively listen to your partner: Listening to your spouse is a key component of emotional intimacy. When your partner shares their concerns or feelings, remove distractions and listen to what they’re saying without simply waiting for your turn to speak. Schedule regular marriage check-ins: Regularly checking in with your partner, such as every week, can help rebuild emotional intimacy. Set aside time to sit down and discuss the state of the relationship. This is an opportunity to share your concerns and express what you need from the relationship. Be sure to comment not only on areas for improvement but also on what is going well. Praise your partner: The challenges that come with depression can take a toll on your relationship, and your partner may feel as if they aren’t living up to expectations. Taking time to express gratitude and appreciation can go a long way toward repairing your bond. You can offer praise for the simplest things, such as your partner's effort to spend time with you. Participate in shared hobbies: A spouse with depression may withdraw from usual activities, so shared hobbies are likely to have fallen by the wayside. Spending time together doing things you both enjoy will play a central role in creating newfound intimacy in your marriage. Be intentional about physical touch: Offering physical touch, such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing your partner, is essential for building physical intimacy. When you touch your partner, even in non-sexual ways, you’ll release the hormone oxytocin, which is involved in love, bonding, and trust. Building trust through physical touch, when combined with emotional closeness, can also pave the way for sexual intimacy. Depression in marriage can negatively affect both spouses, but there are ways to manage it. Depression is a treatable mental health disorder, and with support and understanding, your spouse can recover. Learning about depression, encouraging your spouse to participate in treatment, and taking time to rebuild intimacy can improve both you and your spouse's marital satisfaction in the aftermath of depression.References Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. National Library of Medicine Davila, J., Stroud, C. B., & Starr, L. R. (2014). Depression in couples and families. In I. H. Gotlib & C. L. Hammen (Eds.), Handbook of depression (3rd ed., pp. 410–428). The Guilford Press. Rizvi, S. J., Pizzagalli, D. A., Sproule, B. A., & Kennedy, S. H. (2016). Assessing anhedonia in depression: Potentials and pitfalls. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 65, 21–35. ScienceDirect Goodman, R. J., Samek, D. R., Wilson, S., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2019). Close relationships and depression: A developmental cascade approach. Development and Psychopathology, 31(4), 1451–1465. Cambridge University Press Çıkrıkçı, N. (2024). Explaining association between interpersonal communication competence and depression through need satisfaction, anxiety, and stress. Current Psychology, 43, 25468–25480. Springer Li, P.-F., & Johnson, L. N. (2016). Couples’ depression and relationship satisfaction: Examining the moderating effects of demand/withdraw communication patterns. Journal of Family Therapy. Wiley Deylami, N., Hassan, S. A., Alareqe, N. A., & Zainudin, Z. N. (2021). Evaluation of an online Gottman’s psychoeducational intervention to improve marital communication among Iranian couples. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 8945. MDPI Norian, I. (2022). Helping a loved one cope with mental illness. American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiatric Association National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health Barbato, A., D’Avanzo, B., & Parabiaghi, A. (2018). Couple therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cohen, S., O’Leary, K. D., Foran, H. M., & Kliem, S. (2014). Mechanisms of change in brief couple therapy for depression. Behavior Therapy, 45(3), 402–417. ScienceDirect Ganguli, P. (2024). Intimacy revisited: Investigating the role of emotional and physical closeness in marriage maintenance. Heritage Group of Institutions. Heritage Group of Institutions Medical ContentThe Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.AuthorSally ConnollyLCSW, LMFTSally Connolly has been a therapist for over 30 years, specializing in work with couples, families, and relationships. She has expertise with clients both present in the room as well as online through email, phone, and chat therapy.PublishedMay 17, 2025UpdatedAugust 25, 2025AuthorJenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Ph.D., LSW, MSWJenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.PublishedMay 17, 2025UpdatedAugust 25, 2025Medical ReviewerMorgan BlairMA, LPCCMorgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.ReviewedJanuary 31, 2025Subject matter expertSimone Hoermann Ph.D.Personality disorders, anxiety, and depressionView experienceRelated communitiesDepressionA place for understanding depression and sharing perspectives on its impact on daily life.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionUnderstanding Depression in the Context of MarriageWhat Is Anhedonia?How Does Depression Affect Communication in Marriages?How to Support a Spouse with DepressionWhen to Seek Professional HelpHow to Rebuild Intimacy and Connection in Your MarriageView moreSubject matter expertSimone Hoermann Ph.D.Personality disorders, anxiety, and depressionView experienceRelated communitiesDepressionA place for understanding depression and sharing perspectives on its impact on daily life.Explore community","wordCount":2075},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Marriage","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/marriage"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How Depression Affects Marital Relationships","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/qa246/editorial-11318.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/qa246/editorial-11318.webp","width":1000,"height":666,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A couple sits apart on a sofa."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/sally-connolly#person","name":"Sally Connolly","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/sally-connolly","jobTitle":"LCSW, LMFT","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9741.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyconnolly/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jenni-jacobsen","jobTitle":"Ph.D., LSW, MSW","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/97.jpg"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage","headline":"How Depression Affects Marital Relationships","description":"Discover how depression affects marriage, causing stress and dissatisfaction, and why communication and support are vital for recovery.","wordCount":1474,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/depression-and-marriage#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 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