Your spouse may need individual counseling or therapy, but the both of you need to seek marriage help together. It can help the marriage to understand what causes your loved one's depression or mental illness. Your self-esteem is probably just as low as your partner's at this time. Each of you can benefit by therapy and support. You may be aware that your marriage needs help, but how important is marriage help to making your relationship last? Domestic violence is a term heard frequently in today's society. Often, when people think of domestic violence they picture a man beating the stuffing out of his wife. Although this situation is an example of domestic violence, it is not the only example of domestic violence in a marriage. You can release your feelings and emotions during the visits with a counselor. Your therapist will be able to direct you on issues such as assertiveness, self-esteem, and co-dependency. As you feel better, your spouse will be able to see the improvements. If your spouse has refused to seek marriage help or help for the addiction up until this point, he or she may decide to find help now. The easiest way to help keep your marriage strong and stable is to let your husband or wife know that you are thinking of them. Use the telephone and email as your line of communication, but do not stop there. When your creativity stops is the first sign you may need marriage help. Send cards to your lover spontaneously. This step alone may be the marriage help that you need. Don't stop here. Find a sitter for the children and take the time you need for marriage help. Maybe your marriage needs help financially. Take the time to make a budget. See a financial advisor. If your spouse and you just need time together to talk and enjoy each other, make time for a date or short vacation. Are finances an issue in your marriage? Sign up for a credit counseling class at your local college or university. Contact a credit counseling center to learn how to make a budget that your family can work with on a daily basis. Most people don't look at credit counseling and financial planning as marriage help, but you may be surprised to see the improvement in your marriage relationship when money is not a sticking point.