Connect2 How to Care for Yourself While Helping Your Depressed Spouse?
Apr 30, 2025
Eliza Gan, an Associate Counselor at Focus on the Family Singapore, shares invaluable insights on caring for a spouse with depression. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness and setting healthy boundaries to prevent caregiver burnout. Eliza discusses recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and navigating emotional strain, especially during challenging life phases like new parenthood. She offers practical strategies to strengthen emotional intimacy, highlighting the importance of open communication and small acts of kindness in supportive partnerships.
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Recognizing Caregiver Burnout Signs
- Watch for increased irritability, emotional shutdown, and exhaustion as signs of caregiver burnout.
- Notice cognitive overload and loss of self to prevent compassion fatigue early.
Self-Care Prevents Burnout
- Practice self-awareness to know your emotional limits and set healthy boundaries.
- Prioritize self-care without guilt and seek support to stay effective as a partner.
Building a Strong Marriage Foundation
- Build a strong marriage foundation with rituals, friendship, trust, and emotional intimacy.
- Recognize depression symptoms in your spouse aren't personal to prevent resentment.