<human>: I guess I am posting because I'm looking for others out there that may be in a similar role-- a partner of someone struggling with depression. Sometimes it just really takes a toll on me and I could use others to talk to that understand the position I am in. Often I feel selfish for feeling frustrated, rejected when he is uninterested in me sexually even though I know fully well it is just a symptom of his medication, and feel like I mimic his negative affect. I want to be this strong support system, someone that he feels comfortable expressing his true emotional state (he shouldn't have to suppress how he really feels to me the way that he does when he is, say, at work). But sometimes I find it really overwhelming. Particularly recently I just feel disconnected or muted from our relationship. I'm not unhappy, there is nothing wrong with our relationship on paper (we see each other most days, he is incredibly loving and caring and I know works so hard to make my life and our life as wonderful as possible), but I feel myself pulling away almost as a defense mechanism.  

I am a psychology researcher and I truly understand my partner is struggling with a serious mental illness. I'm not looking to "fix" him and feel as though I am well versed in how to be a supportive and encouraging partner. It's just that it is so hard. And I don't want to complain because I know everything is harder for him-- his needs are much greater than mine. I just feel like if I had others to talk to I could better cope because I love him and I don't want him to blame himself for how I feel-- I certainly don't blame him. I just want to get our relationship back on track and I feel like having an outlet to express how it feels to be a partner of someone with depression will help keep it from leaking out into my relationship with him.

Can you provide a brief overview of the text?
<bot>: being the partner of someone with depression is really hard and rarely talked about. looking for others in same position for social support.