Saturday, June 02, 2012
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone.Try it today!

Sunday, February 20, 2011 sao asks

Q: My wife suffers from severe 'Winter Depression'. She has cheated on me with a work colleague that has obviously offered her an 'escape' from reality...

My wife suffers from severe 'Winter Depression' and has done for several years. We have battled through it together previously, however this winter she has cheated on me with a work colleague that has obviously offered her an 'escape' from reality. She has changed so much as a person, predominantly in the lack of emotion to myself and our 3yr old. I am told depression can make someone appear uncaring/unloving, however she has told me the basis of her depression of late has been based around the strength of 'feelings' she has for this work colleague and she doesn't love me any more. It is fair to say her mind is all over the place, but is she really suffering from depression? I mean how can she think she has strong feelings for someone else while showing no love/affection to those that love her?
Answer This
Answers (1)
2/20/11 8:22pm

Hi, there.  There's no easy response to this, as it can be complicated to know what's depression and what is simply the loss of relationship or love for someone.  It's true that this colleague may be lifting her spirits somewhat and making her think that she's "in love," but it can very well be a distraction from her misery and that's why she seems to be so invested in it.  Is she being treated at all for the depression?  Has she tried light therapy?  People with seasonal affective disorder often benefit from spending time each day under a light box, which can be prescribed by a doctor.

 

Secondly, have you tried couples therapy at all?  This can be very helpful in getting everything out on the table in a safe environment.  Until we can communicate honestly with others, it's so easy to make assumptions about what someone else is feeling and thinking.  She may very well be going through a lot of internal changes, maybe as a result of depression or the inward focus it has given her and if you aren't aware of what's going on with her, and vice-versa, it becomes easier and easier to become distant.

 

I'm sorry you're having to go through this, as it sounds like you've been supportive of her through these depressions in the past.  But I hope she's getting help of some kind or that both of you can get some help together.  Only you can know if the relationship is worth salvaging for yourself.  I wish you the best and hope you'll let us know how things are going.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (4165) >
By sao— Last Modified: 02/20/11, First Published: 02/20/11