When depression sinks its debilitating teeth into the person you love, you barely recognize this new person next to you. He looks the same but everything about him is just…off.
That warm, caring person you love so much disappears and is replaced by someone who just seems cold and detached.
All of a sudden you have no idea how he feels about you. He seems to be lost in himself with no interest in you at all.
It’s nearly impossible not to blame yourself. But don't.
You start to wonder what you did wrong or what happened to make him fall out of love with you. Why does it feel like you’re the last person in the world he wants to be around? Try and remember that nothing is your fault.
Your self-esteem starts to diminish and you start to overthink and question every little thing.
Does he love me at all anymore? Am I just a burden? Am I making him even more unhappy? Why is he even with me? Does he think I’m repulsive? Would he rather be with his friends right now?
The doubt is endless, but you can't let it eat at you. Remind yourself that he is dealing with issues of his own that don't have anything to do with you.
You become desperate for that connection you once had. You would give anything in the world to hear him say those words that made your heart sing, or feel the way he used to kiss you that would make time stop.
So what do you do?
Do you walk away knowing that you could be missing out on that incredible person inside him that you were so sure was the one? Or do you stay and wait it out in the hopes that the person you love will come back?
First, make sure you take care of yourself first and foremost. You are the most important thing. If it's a toxic situation then you need to do what's best for you.
But when the person you love falls victim to depression's storm clouds, just being there for them can have a bigger impact than you could ever imagine. Be there as a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.
One day, when depression's grip grows looser, he'll return to the person he was and he'll be so grateful that you stuck around, and so will you.
