Depression is a common issue for many people.
Symptoms may include persistent feelings or hopelessness, sadness, anxiety or dread about the future, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in sleep and appetite.
The causes are numerous, and may include such factors as grief, unresolved past trauma, current life challenges, and/or brain chemistry challenges.
One factor, however, that is not always included is the impact of a toxic relationship upon the mental well being of the individual.
Here are 6 signs that the depression symptoms you are experiencing may have a link to your relationship: 1.
Your partner insults you, publicly and/or privately.
These put downs may be blatant name calling, or more subtle criticism of how you do things, who you are as a person, or even criticism or mocking of your depression or mental state.
You may be left to feel inferior, incompetent, and even crazy.
2.
Your partner attempts to limit your interaction with outside friends and family.
You partner may prohibit you from seeing certain people altogether, or may be more manipulative and make statements like, "I can't believe you would choose to go see so-and-so instead of spending time with me.
" This isolation serves an emotionally abusive partner in a couple of ways.
It asserts his or her control over your life, and it also prevents you from hearing both positive messages about yourself, as well as criticisms of your partner.
This allows your partner to continue to create your reality for you without outside "interference.
" 3.
Your partner attempts to limit your work and educational opportunities.
Again, control is established, as well as your dependence upon your partner.
4.
Your partner tries to control your daily activities.
You may feel as if you must report your day to your partner, and defend and justify your decisions about how you spent your time.
It may even seem easier at times to simply choose to do activities that you know your partner will approve of.
5.
Your partner uses sex as a weapon of control and manipulation.
Your partner may demand that you meet his or her need for physical intimacy regardless of how you feel or what your desires are.
Conversely, your partner may elect to deliberately withhold sex and affection form you in order to keep you feeling worthless and controlled, subject to his or her whim.
6.
Your partner implies non-physical consequences for not complying with his or her demands.
He or she may occasionally do something kind or generous for you, but rather than a sincere attempt to start treating you better, it is a tactic to draw you back into the relationship.
Once you are safely back under control, the emotionally abusive behavior begins again.
Symptoms may include persistent feelings or hopelessness, sadness, anxiety or dread about the future, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in sleep and appetite.
The causes are numerous, and may include such factors as grief, unresolved past trauma, current life challenges, and/or brain chemistry challenges.
One factor, however, that is not always included is the impact of a toxic relationship upon the mental well being of the individual.
Here are 6 signs that the depression symptoms you are experiencing may have a link to your relationship: 1.
Your partner insults you, publicly and/or privately.
These put downs may be blatant name calling, or more subtle criticism of how you do things, who you are as a person, or even criticism or mocking of your depression or mental state.
You may be left to feel inferior, incompetent, and even crazy.
2.
Your partner attempts to limit your interaction with outside friends and family.
You partner may prohibit you from seeing certain people altogether, or may be more manipulative and make statements like, "I can't believe you would choose to go see so-and-so instead of spending time with me.
" This isolation serves an emotionally abusive partner in a couple of ways.
It asserts his or her control over your life, and it also prevents you from hearing both positive messages about yourself, as well as criticisms of your partner.
This allows your partner to continue to create your reality for you without outside "interference.
" 3.
Your partner attempts to limit your work and educational opportunities.
Again, control is established, as well as your dependence upon your partner.
4.
Your partner tries to control your daily activities.
You may feel as if you must report your day to your partner, and defend and justify your decisions about how you spent your time.
It may even seem easier at times to simply choose to do activities that you know your partner will approve of.
5.
Your partner uses sex as a weapon of control and manipulation.
Your partner may demand that you meet his or her need for physical intimacy regardless of how you feel or what your desires are.
Conversely, your partner may elect to deliberately withhold sex and affection form you in order to keep you feeling worthless and controlled, subject to his or her whim.
6.
Your partner implies non-physical consequences for not complying with his or her demands.
He or she may occasionally do something kind or generous for you, but rather than a sincere attempt to start treating you better, it is a tactic to draw you back into the relationship.
Once you are safely back under control, the emotionally abusive behavior begins again.
Source...