Are you wondering, “Is my spouse experiencing depression?”
What if anger is involved? Are depressed individuals angry?
Often, depression is expressed as anger. But, an actual diagnosis should be made after a thorough evaluation.
Your spouse may be experiencing depression, but it may be only part of the picture. Many medical conditions often present like depression.
4 Ways to Help a Spouse who may be experiencing depression:
1. I would encourage your husband to see his primary care physician. That way, medical conditions that prompt changes in mood and personality can be ruled out.
2. If his physician clears him medically, I would recommend a psychological evaluation. Maybe he is struggling with depression. It may also be something different than, or in addition to, depression. To determine the most effective treatment, an accurate diagnosis is essential.
It’s hard and hurtful to be the object of someone’s wrath. The truth is that hurting people hurt other people. The better news is freed people free people. With appropriate help and treatment, your spouse could be a beacon of hope to help others.
3. The Bible encourages us to “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 NLT). Be understanding of your spouse’s feelings. Show him love and compassion. Discuss with your spouse how outbursts of anger make you feel emotionally. When you’re discussing, use a neutral context and tone of voice.
Discussions can be pointless if they occur during the heat of emotion. In those times, our thoughts and behaviors are often based on our emotions not God’s truth.
Angry outbursts are different than abuse. If you believe you are the recipient of abuse, please take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety.
4. Declaring God’s truth is the best way to combat the lies of the enemy. Speak truths like these to your spouse and over your spouse.
- You are Special (Ephesians 2:10)
- You were Created for a Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
- You are Strong (Psalm 68:35)
- You are Important (1 Peter 2:9)
- You are Forgiven (Psalm 103:12)
- You are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- You are Chosen (John 15:16)
Know that you and your situation are not invisible to God. He sees you. He cares. He has not and will not leave you to fight this battle alone.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
For a Free eBook on How to Help a Depressed Loved One, click here: How to Help a Depressed Loved One eBook.
For more helpful information about what you need to know when you have a depressed loved one, read here: https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/
For more about what not to say to a depressed loved one, read here: https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-not-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ while here are suggestions about supportive things you can say to a depressed loved one: https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/
To learn more about “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” Dr. Bengtson’s book, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book.
And, for the Bible Study, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-bible-study/.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson (PhD, Nova Southeastern University) is an international speaker, and the author of best-selling “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the newly released companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” She has been a neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. She is in private practice in Southlake, Texas where she evaluates, diagnoses, and treats children and adults with a variety of medical and mental health disorders. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of 30 years have two teenage sons, and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
For more hope and posts like this, visit Dr. Bengtson’s website: https://DrMichelleBengtson.com
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To order Hope Prevails from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Prevails-Insights-Personal-Depression/dp/080072707X/
