Volunteering eases veterans' transition to civilian life
It can be tempting to pull back, but tough as it may be, helping your loved one stick it out through a bout of depression can help their future mental health, said relationships researcher Matthew Johnson. "Efforts from a partner to help alleviate stress may prevent the development or worsening of mental health problems and, in fact, could help keep the relationship healthy." Stress takes a toll on physical and mental health, as well as close relationships, so that support can help a person better cope with it. "When we experience stress, especially high levels of stress, we are particularly vulnerable and perhaps that's why partner support in those times is so impactful and long-lasting," said Johnson, a professor in the U of A's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. The study, published in Developmental Psychology , surveyed couples on their levels of depression, self-esteem and mutual support. Researchers found that the sup...