Topic analysis

Depression in romantic relationships: You, me and the illness

This article examines the strains of romantic relationships where one partner lives with depression, featuring the experiences of a couple identified by pseudonyms Stefan and Jessica who navigated Jessica's depression onset at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside guidance from German systemic family therapist Birgit Esch for supporting a depressed partner while protecting one's own mental health, setting boundaries, and acknowledging small recovery milestones.