For the most part, people can­not choose whether or not to have a relationship with their parents. They grow up in the same house, they see each other, talk together daily, and they have an ongoing, hopefully, positive rela­tionship.

Aunts and uncles have more freedom than parents in choosing to develop a relationship with a niece or nephew, and both must be inter­ested in forming that bond.

Aunts and uncles desiring to be close to their nieces and nephews can choose ways to interact with them that will strengthen their relationship

1. Role model

One of the most important roles for aunts and uncles is to be a role model. A role model is someone that influences behaviour just by observing how they act. Aunts and uncles can influence their nieces and nephews just by what they do, without saying a word. Aunts can also show their nieces an example of what they may want to be.

2. Friend

Aunts and uncles can also be more of a friend with their nieces and nephews. An important quali­ty that many nieces and nephews name in their parents’ siblings is their ability to have fun. This friendship allows the aunts and nieces (or uncles and nephews) to be involved in common activities they enjoy, such as sports or shop­ping.

3. Supplemental parents

One role that aunts and uncles often have that is very important is to act as supplemental parents. Aunts and uncles can be comple­mentary to their siblings by provid­ing additional support, to fill the needs that the parents are unable to take care of themselves. This can include providing another support­ive adult that kids can go to, to do their hair before a school dance, or by helping to drive them to all the places they need to go. Uncles and aunts can also reinforce the ideas that the parents are trying to teach, such as the importance of education or being kind to your siblings.

4. Buffers between parents and children

Aunts and uncles can also act as intergenerational buffers. This means that they can help mediate the relationship between parent and child.

Instead of siding with one or the other, uncles and aunts can help each family member to try and see the other’s side of the argument.

 Depression is a common men­tal health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Or­ganisation (WHO), over 264 million people suffer from depression, making it a leading cause of disabil­ity globally. But what happens when depression enters the picture in our relationships, particularly in mar­riage?

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It is a serious medical condition that affects how we feel, think, and behave. In rela­tionships, depression can manifest in different ways, such as:

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed together

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Withdrawal from social in­teractions or activities

Causes of Depression in Rela­tionships

Some common causes of depres­sion in relationships include:

• The loss of a loved one

• A serious illness or accident

• Divorce, separation, or break-up

• Chronic physical pain

• Feeling trapped or stuck in a situation

• Low self-esteem or bullying

• Trauma or abuse

• Lack of communication or intimacy in the relationship

• Financial stress or difficulties

Symptoms of Depression in Rela­tionships

If you are experiencing depres­sion in your relationship, you may notice:

• Increased conflict or argu­ments

• Lack of intimacy or emotion­al connection

• Feeling disconnected from your partner

• Difficulty communicating effectively

• Loss of interest in shared activities

• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about the future of the relationship

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems

The Impact of Depression on Marriage

Depression can have a significant impact on relationship and marriage, affecting not just the individual but also the relationship as a whole. Some common effects of depression on marriage include:

• Strained communication and conflict

• Lack of intimacy and emo­tional connection

• Feelings of resentment or frustration

• Difficulty solving problems or making decisions together

• Feeling isolated or discon­nected from each other

Seeking Help

The good news is that depression is treatable. If you are struggling with depression in your relationship, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can pro­vide you with the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms and strengthen your relationship.

Some effective treatments for depression include:

• Cognitive-behavioural thera­py (CBT)

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Medication

• Lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management

Supporting a Partner with Depres­sion

If your partner is struggling with depression, there are ways you can support them:

• Listen to them without judg­ment

• Encourage them to seek professional help

• Offer emotional support and validation

• Help with daily tasks or responsibilities

• Encourage self-care and stress management

Depression can have a significant impact on our relationships, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms and build a stronger, healthier connec­tion with our partners. By under­standing depression and seeking help when needed, we can work towards building more resilient and fulfilling relationships.

If you or your partner are strug­gling with depression, do not hesi­tate to reach out to us at Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC). Our team of experienced psycho­therapists and psychologists are dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate mental health challenges. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.

To be continued …

Source: Excerpts from “HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR COURT­SHIP: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psycho­therapist, Lecturer, Author, and Marriage Therapist).

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