| Summary: | Background: Depression is a common condition that affects the life of the person suffering from depression as well as their surroundings. Relatives of the person suffering from depression are affected by the condition and among these the partner is one of the most affected. The partner can be affected both physically and mentally from living with a person suffering from depression. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore partners’ experiences of living with a person suffering from depression. Method: The chosen method for this study was a literature review. The data was collected through both systematic and unsystematic searches. Eight articles were included, both qualitative and quantitative. The analysis was conducted according to a model made for literature reviews, where the data was compiled and sorted into descriptive themes. Results: The results of this study yielded three themes of experiences, including one with two subthemes. (1) Experience of how the daily life is affected (subthemes: experience of living on another person’s terms, and experience of how the situation affects the mental and physical health). (2) Experience of the need for knowledge. (3) Experience of being able to cope with the situation. Conclusion: The study shows that partners of people with depression need to be more included in the patient’s care. They also need to be offered information and support to make it easier to cope with the situation. The results of the study also shows that more research is needed on the subject.
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