topic Frustrated with husband in Supporting family and friends

Frustrated with husband

Cassie66 — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 11:22:58 GMT

My hubby was diagnosed with severe depression 4 years ago, he saw his dr regularly for 2 and 1/2 years. He is on a combination of meds for it, but for the last year is just randomly taking them how he thinks he should take them cause they make him drowsy. He does this for a few days but when he gets what he calls a zappy head starts taking them correctly. I am at my wits end as he thinks he is acting normally but his behaviour is all over the place, his concentration is gone too and as he drives nights it gets dangerous. Not sure what to do anymore. He said he is going back to dr, but only to get medication adjusted, but dr said last time he wanted him to take as prescribed so he can then tweak them properly, how can I get hubby to understand and actually do this. Not sure I can do this much longer with him.

Frustrated with husband

BballJ — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:34:34 GMT

Hi Cassie66,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

It is always tough, and we see it so often on these forums, partners of people with mental health conditions reaching out for help as they are a little lost in how to help. Have you simply tried talking to him about taking the medication 100% as the doctor directed?

Would you husband let you go with him to the doctors so you can possibly explain to the doctor about what is happening to help him?

I am just spit balling ideas as it is a hard one to comment on as you can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do.

Can I also suggest maybe reading through the section about supporting someone who has a mental health illness, if you go to the top of the page under "The facts" there is a section calling Supporting someone, maybe have a read through there and see if there is any advice about this particular situation you are in.

Hang in there, I am sure your support for your husband means the world to him.

My best for you and your husband,

Jay

Frustrated with husband

geoff — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 18:11:47 GMT

hello Cassie, thanks for your comment, and it's not good how he takes his medication because if they are taken differently or when he wants to take them it can be dangerous.
If he misses a dose he shouldn't be taking double the dosage, because that will make him feel drowsy or could do other things more serious than that, and it could be very unsafe for him to drive a motor vehicle.
There are packages from his chemist which sort out the medication to take each day for morning, lunch and dinner time, but these will only work if he is committed to obeying what he should be taking, perhaps if he allows you to be in charge of this package and make sure he takes them at the right time.
His doctor may have other ideas, such as being admitted to a hospital to control his dosages, but this will only work if he follows the instructions when he comes out and may not be the best suggestion.
If he does allow you to go with him as Jay has suggested, then I know you will mention that you are very concerned about his safety, driving and taking any medication when he feels as though he needs it, this shouldn't happen, they can't be taken erratically each day, sorry by the way I've said this but it's important. Geoff.