Depression: The impact on partnership and family

The disease Depression puts a heavy strain on partnerships and families: 84 percent of sufferers have withdrawn from social relationships during their depression. This is according to the German Foundation Depression Help and Deutsche Bahn Foundation. The representative survey examines attitudes and experiences of depression in the population. It surveyed 5,000 people between the ages of 18 and 69 from a representative online panel for the German population in private households.

Partnership conflicts and separation as a result of depression

Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of respondents with the Diagnosis Depression describe no longer feeling a connection to people during the illness. This has far-reaching consequences: Half of those affected report effects on their partnership. 45 percent of them have experienced a breakup due to the depression. "The high number of separations shows what a profound illness depression is," Prof. Ulrich Hegerl, Chairman of the Board of the German Depression Aid Foundation, explains the findings. "People suffering from depression lose their drive, their interest and feel inwardly numb, with no connection to other people or their environment. They withdraw and see all of everyday life as if through black glasses. All these illness-related changes have a massive impact on partnership and family relationships. That is why depression is often the cause and not the consequence of partnership conflicts," Hegerl continues. However, some of those affected also report positive experiences in retrospect: 36 percent of those affected said that the depression had even deepened and strengthened their relationship with their partner. "Overcoming the great suffering caused by depression together can lead to growing together," explains Hegerl.

Gaps in knowledge in the social environment cause lack of understanding of those affected

The Depression Barometer Germany 2018 also provides data on the experiences of relatives: 73 percent develop feelings of guilt toward their ill partner and feel responsible for their illness and recovery. Almost one in three relatives (30%) reported feeling poorly informed about depression. Affected persons who have experienced effects of depression on the partnership therefore mainly report feeling misunderstood and receiving reproaches from their partner (84%). "It is clear that there is a great need for education about the disease, especially among relatives and acquaintances. That's why the German Depression Aid Foundation, in cooperation with the Deutsche Bahn Foundation, has set up the Germany-wide Depression Info Phone, where relatives and those affected can obtain information about the disease free of charge," says Dr. Christian Gravert, Project Manager Health Issues at the Deutsche Bahn Foundation and Senior Physician at Deutsche Bahn.

Notes for relatives

Prof. Hegerl advises relatives: "Accept depression as an illness that can affect anyone! And inform yourself - because if you don't know what depression is, you will misjudge the withdrawal and lack of attention of your ill partner. It's not unkindness or even ill will, but signs of the illness." The best way for relatives to support is to organize an appointment with the doctor and, if necessary, accompany the affected person there. Because in depression, sufferers often lack the strength and hope to seek help. However, Hegerl also emphasizes: "Depression cannot be treated with affection alone, but requires medical help. It is important that relatives and friends know their own stress limits and also organize support." Information and help can be found by relatives at:

More info

www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de