It is clear that the support of loved ones is very important when a person has depression. But such is the fact that depression can affect beloved. especially those who live with the victim. Especially in the case of couples, they can even develop depressive symptoms. This is what is known, but not deeply studied.
On the other hand, it was noticed that sedentary people are more likely to develop depressive symptoms and that those with depression tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. It’s a vicious cycle that makes both situations worse and worse.
For this reason, a group of Polish scientists recently conducted a study aimed at testing the extent to which this may be the reason that couples infectious belonging Depression of loved ones.
Vicious circle of depression in a couple
For this study, the authors expected the participation 320 pairs enrolled in a physical activity program to reduce chronic disease. They were all very close couples, most of them loving. However, there was also friends and family.
During the study, a number of surveys were conducted to assess depressive symptoms. In addition, participants were placed at three different times in accelerometer used to measure sedentary lifestyle.
Each member of the couple was assigned a role, which could be a focus or a support. After conducting surveys and fourteen months of observation, it was found that a target person’s initial depressive symptoms predicted how sedentary their partner would be after just eight months. And, on the other hand, the couple’s sedentary lifestyle at the beginning helped predict depressive symptoms of the onset in the same eight months. That is, both situations are inversely related. When one partner becomes inactive, the other develops depressive symptoms and this, in turn, makes him more inactive and the other more depressed.
Why is it all?
This study found only a correlation that, according to the authors themselves, may not be causally related. That is, the causes are not known to them, so they should be investigated in another study. Studies that have only been done with individual people have found that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to depression due to lack of socialization, while depression leads to a sedentary lifestyle because the affected individuals have less energy to perform any type of exercise.
In this case, since couples spend so much time together, it makes sense that it’s all contagious. Therefore, despite study limitationswhich also includes mild depressive symptoms in all cases, its authors believe that it demonstrates that when someone starts treatment for depression, their partner should also receive psychological help.
Don’t leave your loved ones because of depression
Recently, a discussion has arisen on social networks between people who consider it justified for a person to leave a partner with depression, and those who believe that this is practically a deviation from the norm. Logically, each case is individual and no one can be judged without knowing his position. What should be clear is that this type of study does not serve to justify any rejection, but rather to enhance the psychological focus of a couple of people with depressive symptoms.
It is true that coping with the psychological problems of a loved one is difficult. But, precisely, the support of loved ones is needed. Including a couple, of course. Therefore, you should always seek help. Unfortunately, public psychological assistance is difficult to obtain, and not everyone can afford private assistance. It is important to fight for this, but in the meantime, seek help from family doctors and specialized associations. We are not alone.
Source: Hiper Textual
