How to Cheer Up a Depressed Husband

Depression is hard on a marriage. It erodes the relationship through isolation, emotional unavailability, irritability, sadness, fatigue, and decreased libido. Depression is a mental condition that may require the help of a counselor to arm your husband with the necessary skills and strategies to overcome symptoms.

However, there are ways you can cheer up your depressed husband alongside counseling.

Cheering Up a Depressed Husband

Try the following tips to help your depressed husband feel a little bit more like himself and to reaffirm your belief and love in him. Negative thoughts can crowd his mind, and he may lose sight of those who love him the most. Try to remain positive and patient with your depressed husband.

Be Open to Listening to His Needs

Actively listen to your depressed husband. Ask him questions and acknowledge his feelings, even if they are difficult for you to understand. When he feels overwhelmed and stressed, find out how you can help. Does he need more time on the weekends to decompress? Are there too many commitments on your family schedule? Be willing to sit down with the family and make some temporary changes.

Surprise Him with Personalized Moments

Depression combined with negative thoughts lie. They convince men that they are not loved or important to their families. Counteract this message with personal notes and gifts, accompanied by little acts of kindness, to show that you care and are thinking of him. Stick a sticky note in his briefcase or on the bathroom mirror. Make his favorite dinner or text him a sweet note.

Offer to Attend Counseling with Him

Many men are reluctant to attend counseling. They don’t feel they need “fixed.” What they may not understand is that counseling helps to educate them with the necessary skills to move past depression. Make it a smoother transition for him by offering to attend. He can opt for either individual counseling or couples counseling so that you both have support.

Get Creative in the Bedroom

Libido can decrease with depression, which can make your husband irritable and angry. Consider making it more fun. Try different positions, scenarios, and clothing to motivate him. Don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work. Some antidepressant medications can cause lower libido or erectile dysfunction. If this is the case, he can discuss alternative medications or solutions with the physician.

Spend Quality Time Together

Alone time is important for both of you, but during a season of depression, your husband may need more quality time with you. This can vary between couples, but some couples lie on the couch and binge-watch their favorite shows, while others go on hikes or day trips. The point is to spend time together where you feel emotionally connected. If he wants to open up about his depression, let him. This is a safe time and space for him to express his needs and wants. It’s also a good time to discuss things that are important to you.

Call Us to Get Started with Couples Counseling for Depression

Don’t face it alone. Your husband’s mental health will affect his physical health, work, and relationships. Trying to keep your depressed husband happy may be a moot point without therapy. Christian couples counseling can provide the necessary skills and strategies to manage symptoms and draw you closer to one another and Christ.

Call us today to get started and schedule a session with a Christian counselor.