Are Relationships Better for Depression?

*Not a real couple.

Commentary and photo by Paris Murray.

October 22, 2021. In this day and age because of the global pandemic, a lot of us are coming out of quarantine after spending a lot of time alone. That loneliness would make anyone think, “I need a life partner to be with me through thick and thin.” Anyone who opens any social media can see so many happy couples doing silly things, being cute and can think, “This is the relationship I want!” 

Statistics from The Lancet say “Another study of hospital staff examined symptoms of depression three years after quarantine and found that 9% (48 of 549) of the whole sample reported high depressive symptoms.” This data signifies that quarantine caused some emotional and mental issues for people 

If we’re lonely or depressed, it's likely that dating totally makes sense. Couples won't be lonely if a partner can be there for you. Bustle, a site that displays articles focusing on emotional and mental health, actually agrees when they write an anecdote from Maeve McGlinchey about her experience with dating while depressed. “If I was feeling anxious, I'd let him know," she says. "He was supportive about [mental illness], because he deals with it too. For me, it's motivation to make his day better. We build each other up." This means that dating is actually good as long as each partner is supportive and helpful. It may even help the depressed one realize they aren't alone. 

In conclusion, with some reassurance and unconditional love, people with depression can feel wanted, heard and understood because depressed or not, who wouldn't want security from their lover?! To be built up and supported full-heartedly by a lover would make anyone happy.

Paris Murray is a sophomore at Friendship Collegiate Academy.