Call us: (714) 683-1472
e-mail: info@orangecoastpsychiatry.com
Book Appointment

Understanding The Connection Between Male Depression And Emotional Affairs

Understanding The Connection Between Male Depression And Emotional Affairs

Blog Outline

Back to Top

Any affair, including an emotional one, severely threatens the trust between you and your partner. Gender differences do not limit a readiness to engage in an emotional affair. It is a mistake that both sexes are guilty of having emotional extramarital affairs. However, for some men, depression, as a psychological disorder, can be connected to the beginning of an emotional affair.  Moreover, depression and cheating are strongly associated.

One has to understand that depression is a mental health condition, and thus, having an emotional affair does not mean the afflicted person is ‘allowed’ to cheat on their partner. Yet, once the various aspects of the mistake are understood, in terms of the mindset of the person who made it, it becomes possible to prevent such occurrences in relationships in the future.

This blog is a perfect guide to understanding the relationship between male depression and emotional affairs.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition that severely affects your mood. Additionally, it causes a constant feeling of sadness and changes in how you think, sleep, eat, and behave. Depression can severely disrupt your daily life routine.

What Are The Signs Of Depression?

The signs of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. The signs of depression persist for weeks or months and are so severe that they can interfere with your work, social life, and family life.

The following are the common signs of depression:

  • Constant low mood or sadness
  • Hopelessness and helplessness
  • Reduced self-esteem
  • Constant guilt
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Lack of energy
  • Low libido
  • Body aches
  • Changes in eating habits

What Is An Emotional Affair?


When most people hear the word ‘cheating,’ they probably imagine a sexual affair. This is where a person engages in sexual activities with someone who they are not in a stable relationship with. This kind of sexual cheating is very detrimental to one’s relationship.

But there is another kind of affair where love can be acknowledged. Emotional cheating is having a close emotional relationship with an individual apart from your partner while in a committed relationship.

This type of affair is not discussed often, but like the others, it is even more challenging to deal with in a relationship.

If a person is having an emotional affair, that implies that they are engaging in intimate communication or misbehaving with another person who is not their partner.

There is often lust as well, though it may not always be consummated. Furthermore, when having an emotional affair, the betrayed partner can feel just as angry and hurt as the one who discovers the partner physically cheated on them.

How Do You Know If You Are Having An Emotional Affair?

  • You find yourself eagerly waiting to see or communicate with this other person more than you do your partner.
  • This ‘friend,’ which your partner wonders about, makes you instantly become secretive and defensive.
  • You often share the problems of your relationship with the other person.
  • You privately exchange gifts.
  • Your interactions move to another level where they become closer to personal conversations. They seem to be secretive, personal, intimate, and may even get sexual.
  • You share details of things with them that you have never shared with your partner.
  • Your phone is carefully protected, and messages are erased so your partner cannot learn about your other relationship.
  • You worry about being caught and feel the shame and guilt of ignoring your partner, yet you do nothing to stop things.

But it is essential not to overlook that even in a relationship that does not involve physical intimacy, it could betray your partner’s trust. Indeed, some people state that they would be even more upset in case of emotional infidelity than in the case where their partner has sex with someone else. Moreover, many people develop depression after cheating.

How Is This Connected To Male Depression?

Men are less likely to report depression symptoms as they remain unnoticed because they silently deal with complex situations that make them more vulnerable to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Any form of depression that is untreated tends to compel men to look for ways to soothe themselves with “self-medication.” It may be drugs, alcohol, sex or food, or even exercise, gaming or work, or anything that can give them a lift to their ego.

Then comes another person or virtually who doesn’t belong in either of those categories. They listen, show sympathy, validate, and often compliment. Additionally, they are easy to approach and talk to.

Indeed, as depression leads to sexual disorders and low sexual desire, an emotional affair looks pretty safe. You can interact, flirt, and tear without any fear and risk. However, in reality, you are risking a lot of things, such as:

  • You are endangering your relationship through infidelity and unnecessary sneaking around.
  • You are hurting your partner so much that the damage caused is unrepairable.
  • Untreated depression signs can lead to deterioration of emotional and physical issues.

What To Do If You Have Had An Emotional Affair?

Although male depression and emotional affairs aren’t always correlated, one can lead to the other.

If you are presenting symptoms of depression, the best thing for you to do is treat it by seeking professional help, whether you cheated or your partner cheated on you.

Depression has different types of treatments, and these treatments are typically administered singly or combined, depending on the recommendation of the mental health professional.

Therapy

Are you depressed? Scientific publications have established that one of the approaches to treat this category of mental illness is the use of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT aims at identifying different behavioral processes that contribute to depression, and one is treated with the help of a mental healthcare provider. Additionally, you learn other ways to cope with negative thought patterns, and a mental health professional can help you alter such negative thought patterns into positive ones.

Also, if any kind of cheat has taken place in the relationship, you might want to try couples therapy. This kind of therapy can help manage other psychological concerns, which may sometimes have an impact on relationships.

Psychiatric medication for Depression

Some medicines are prescribed by a doctor to be taken orally for depression. These are known as antidepressants.

Although depression has many potential sources in the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of human behavior that are very complicated and often overlap, antidepressants can address a large number of symptoms of depression and aid in the regulation of the levels of some of the neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine.

There are several subcategories of antidepressants. These are SSRIs such as citalopram, SNRIs such as venlafaxine, and TACs.

It generally takes at least four to eight weeks for antidepressants to have an effect. Still, it’s not so different from the typical prescription medication since some symptoms will improve earlier.

Concluding Remarks!

Men get depressed and emotional affairs are not very different from physical affairs, which devastate relationships. Depression may lead men to find solace in the form of an emotional attachment that is illicit from the existing relationship and involves secret, intimate communications. Issues in relationships should be treated with therapy or medication and, therefore, have to be treated if the depression is to be cured if you are looking for a feasible and reliable mental health platform to treat your signs of depression due to emotional affairs. Additionally, the majority of people develop depression after cheating on someone. Now is the ideal time for you to contact one of the leading mental health platforms “Orange Coast Psychiatry.” We have a team of experts possessing ample knowledge about the best treatments for diminishing male depression and emotional affairs. So, wait no more; approach us and regain your long-lost mental stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Post

Everything about Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD

One of the most overlooked symptoms of ADHD, a neurodivergent disorder, is emotional dysregulation. If you are wondering if you have been feeling like you have been experiencing a constant change in your emotions, then don’t waste a second in reading this blog. It is because we are going to

Read More »

Hypersexuality and ADHD: What’s the Connection?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has many different symptoms and traits. One of  these can be hypersexuality or hyposexuality (which is to have unsatisfactory sex lives). So, why is that the case and what is the connection that binds hypersexuality and ADHD together? Let’s find out in the world while also

Read More »

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.