According to the National Institute of Justice, police officers reporting high levels of stress have three times greater health problems and are ten times more likely to suffer from depression than other officers. (source: National Institute of Justice, 1999)
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If your first-responder spouse is struggling with depression - how can you help? In our book 6 Secrets to a Lasting Love, we identified six different biblical loves that can help a married couple through their years together. One of them is persevering love. That kind of love is what helps a husband and wife navigate loss, tough times, and setbacks and get through the other side.
We have been through difficult times. Gary went through a few months of depression. These times are not fun. They’re hard. But those are the times that can forge your marriage together. What can you do to hang on—to persevere—when times are tough?
If one of you is dealing with depression, do several things. (If one of you is dealing with medical depression, then be sure to see a doctor. However, if it’s just feeling low because of certain situations in life, the following suggestions will help.)
Spend time together and exercise. Take walks together. Try to stay active even though you don’t feel like it. Depression can suck you into a tunnel. You need to resist at every turn.
Pray together. Read the Word of God together.
Go out on brief dates.
Remember that there’s a beginning, a middle, and an end to every problem. Have a “this too shall pass” attitude. Remind yourself that God will get you through this one as well, a step at a time.
*For more about how to unlock the biblical secrets to a marriage that stays vibrant and strong for a lifetime check out our book 6 Secrets to a Lasting Love in our online bookstore!