Dating with depression is one of the hardest things you can go through in your life.
When you are depressed and looking for a partner, you stress out if you are doing things right, if he is a good fit, and wonder if this new person can handle your depression? Why am I on a date with another loser? Is this guy a player?
There are so many unknown variables it can drive you crazy.
Being depressed can affect your life, and it is a serious medical problem. When you are looking for love, and haven’t found it… well, it can make you even more depressed. But being informed about what is going on with you can make a huge impact in healing your heart and your mind.
According to the CDC, depression correlates with plenty of things and this is only a small portion of the problems it can cause.
Depression correlates with sadness and even irritability.
Depression correlates with health problems, such as heart disease and other injuries.
Depression correlates with skipping out on work.
Depression correlates with high-risk behaviors such as eating disorders, smoking, and substance abuse.
Yikes. It can wreak havoc on your life. Many people don’t have access to proper treatment, and even if they do, they might not go to a counselor or talk to anyone about it because it is embarrassing.
There is good news. You CAN feel better.
Sometimes depressed people can put on a mask and pretend everything is OK on the outside, but on the inside, they are devastated and it is especially hard when you are
About 3% of Americans over the age of 12 have been depressed and that is a LOT of people. If you are depressed, you are not alone. When you are wanting to find a partner it can be even more difficult.
When you meet a new potential partner it can bring a sense of joy… and on the flip side, it can make you stressed out wondering if this relationship is going to work out.
Here are 5 tips to help you make the best out of dating with depression.
Go online.
Hey, you are already here! So this is the first step you needed to take to start to feel better. You are seeking help by reading this article. You can log on to girlsaskguys.com anytime to get feedback and ask questions.
There are some people who give better advice than others. Many people are well meaning, but aren’t equipped to give you the best guidance. So look to the experts for help.
Be nice to yourself.
This can be one of the most challenging ones to overcome because you have been programmed by your parents, your teachers, coaches, preachers, bullies— the list is endless. If you notice yourself talking down to yourself just notice it.
I call this the “Ugly Little Monster,” and we ALL have one, or many. They tell you you’ll never get out of this, you aren’t good enough and the worst one— that you are NOT lovable.
An easy trick you can do is give the Ugly Little Monster a funny cartoon voice. Imagine Spongebob Squarepants saying you are not lovable. It deflates the mean tone of the regular voice in your head and can even be funny!
This is a trick therapists use all around the world and it works! Try it anytime.
Give yourself time to heal.
If you are depressed because of a breakup you don’t have to start dating right away. Honor yourself and give yourself time to grieve the loss of your last partner.
Don’t tell your date everything.
When you do start dating someone, you don’t have to tell them about your depression on the first date, or even the second. Try to enjoy the moment and have as much fun as you can. If and when things progress to something more exclusive you should totally share with your partner.
There will probably be a right time to tell them and you will know it. You aren’t being dishonest by not telling them right away, but you are leaving some mystery about your life and that is OK.
Dating with depression is hard, I understand because I went through depression for 4 solid years. I broke free of the terrible daily feelings and so can you!
I have more tips like this in my How To Heal Your Heart Program and will be giving away some freebies if you send me a message with your heartbreak story or questions. You could win a free copy!
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