[patientBF]

Greetings: My girlfriend of over a year and I are quite close and have been planning a future together. She struggles with depression and is in the midst of the worst bout she has probably had in years. One part of this has been that she expresses feeling very disconnected, especially from me, and says that in addition to fearing that she will never get out of her depression she fears that she will never again feel close and connected to me, is this common? How do I stay connected to her and be caring and of comfort during this time? Is it common that those who are depressed feel detached from their partners? Any help is appreciated...

[jacq10]

Feeling disconnected from everyone is very common with someone who experiences depression. Right now, she is probably feeling so scared of losing everyone in her life, and that might be why she could be baking off a little bit, as to protect herself. What she needs most is to know that she is not alone ... let her know that you are there for her no matter what, but you also have to respect her if she needs some time to herself. Right now she is needing you, so all you can really do is be there for her, and make sure that she knows it.
Best of luck
Jacq

[Hopefull]

Yes. I find that you get disconnected from everyone. It becomes like talking to someone across a cliff or chasm. I'd suggest that you let her know that this is part of depression. Let her know that it can pass in time even though it doesn't seem like it. Try to empathize with her perception as best you can.
What kind of professional help is she getting for her depression? I find that an Anti-depressant can help with the disconnection because that makes it hard to do talk therapy. It is hard to focus on others let alone feel connected to another human being at that time.

dis-connect is one of my main problems when i'm depressed. my family partly understands it. letting your girlfriend know that you love her and that you understand her feelings will go a long way with her. she really needs support and validation now........pat

[Boopers]

Absolutely!! I dis-connect the most with the closest people to me!! My family!! There is nothing you can do about it, either, when you are going through it. It is a very scary feeling.
Is she on any anti-depressants? I am on two now and I don't have that depression like I use to.
Just be there when she needs you and you will be fine. I hope she comes out of it soon.
Take care and you are great for being so concerned.
Linda