When an individual has depression, their views on life and people may be distorted. When in a relationship while battling depression, there can be growing challenges with trust and communication. The individual may lack the energy needed or motivation to communicate properly with their partner.  There may also be a struggle for one to understand what their partner with depression is going through. It is hard to know what they may be feeling or thinking about any given situation, and they most likely will not want to talk about it and share those thoughts and feelings. The ability for the depressed individual to communicate properly to their partner will likely decline as the depression worsens. With counseling, this ability can improve and help the relationship improve as well. 

When one partner is struggling with depression, it is likely that the well-being and/or mental health of the other partner will decline, due to stress and worry. It is important to get help, if there starts to be an impact on everyday life. It is also important to be there for the partner with depression. Simply just showing compassion and being there for them can go a long way in recovery. 

Counseling in this situation is beneficial not only to the client suffering from depression, but also for the sustainability of the relationship. With the use of counseling, depression can be treated. A root cause could potentially be found, and the therapist and client can work together to find out what the best way to treat it may be. Counseling will also help encourage proper and open communication. With open communication about depression or other issues in the relationship, problems can be solved in a healthy way and it can prevent similar issues in the future.