by Erika Townsend

With the driving force of the economic downturn, discount some of us are facing personal meltdowns. Under the growing pressure of maintaining the same lifestyle with stretched funds, many people have met their emotional limits. Depression can be very debilitating and make a bad situation even worse.

 
The first step in winning the battle with depression is identifying the problem. Some people who are dealing with it can become reserved and isolate themselves. So it is important to be on the lookout for certain signs. According to the Mayo Clinic, health if your guy is displaying any of the following symptoms, it could signify depression.

• Violent or abusive behavior
• Inappropriate rage
• Escapist behavior, such as over-involvement in work or sports
• Risky behavior, such as reckless driving
• Sexual liaisons
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Thoughts of suicide

According to WebMD, if any symptoms below last longer than two weeks, it may mean major depression.

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of pleasure in usual activities, including sex
• Difficulty concentrating or complaints of poor memory
• Sleeplessness or oversleeping
• Excessive weight gain or loss
• Anxiety, agitation, irritability
• Thoughts of suicide
• Slow speech or movements
• Headache, stomachache and digestive problems

Although depression in women can manifest differently than in men, it can still result in deadly consequences. Due to its serious nature, depression should be addressed with care.

 
When approaching your mate about depression, show dignity and respect. Don’t make comparisons or offer unsolicited advice. While you want to do all that you can for your partner, you must leave certain things to professionals. Always encourage your mate to seek professional help. Most employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide limited free visits to counselors. If immediate help is needed, there are several hotlines that offer counseling or prayer services. If possible, reassure them that you will be there every step of the way and that you are dedicated to seeing them better. For many who suffer, just knowing that they have a mate to depend on can go a long way.

 
You can provide an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and encouraging words. Physical activities and exercise can cause serotonin levels to rise, so they serve as natural remedies to relieve stress. Humor can be a good distracter, but be careful not to make light of a situation if your mate is truly in emotional need.

 
Helping your loved one beat depression can be daunting for both of you. Honor yourself and make sure you are emotionally fit for the challenge. It can be a lengthy process, and patience is of utmost importance. If you can’t seem to find the right words to say or do the right things to make your partner more at ease, pray, have faith and dig deep for patience. Change is coming.