ADVICE DESPERATELY NEEDED - Partner with severe depression and possible schizophrenia or bipolar??

[princesspeaches]

Hi everyone,

I'll try to make this as succinct as possible!

My partner suffers from severe depression and anxiety and has for most of his life (he is not on medication as he doesn't like the idea of itand is only just going to start seeing a psychologist). He has also been given a possible schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar diagnosis but GP didn't want to be the one to confirm that so psychologist will be looking into that further. He also has a family history of a range of mental illness including schizophrenia and his sister is currently in hospital dealing with it along with addiction.

I want to support him in the best way that I possibly can however he is having delusions that make him believe that I have had a threesome with 2 other men - now just FYI this has never happened and I have been completely faithful, loving and supportive to him. He believes I look at other men and talk to other men behind his back and this is a lot deeper than just him having trust issues because he believes that situations that we've never been in have happened and etc.

I guess what I want to know is how I can take care of myself and my own health because it is taking a huge toll on my own mental health and having a poor mental health history myself this is scaring me that I am going to spiral downwards myself. I want to know how I can take care of me and take care of him at the same time and ensure that we're both getting what we need while he goes through this difficult time in his life?

He is his compassionate, funny, loving self these days about 50% of the time and the other 50% is so bad that I am worried he might do something to himself even though he remains adamant that he wouldn't.

Any advice would be appreciated!!

[Doolhof]

Hi Princesspeaches,

Welcome to the community here on the forum. It sounds like you and your partner have a few issues to deal with. I am wondering if your partner has been referred to a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis as well as a psychologist?

Supporting your partner and looking after yourself at the same time is important.

The Beyond Blue website has information on various mental health issues, how we can help others and also look after ourselves. There may be some points there to benefit you.

Both my husband and I have mental health issues. It is important for both of us to make time to do as many activities as possible that add happiness, a sense of achievement, purpose and pleasure to our lives.

Sometimes that means doing things with out the other person. Do you have hobbies, interests or things that you like to do? Can you find ways to incorporate these more to your days?

Would you consider talking to your Dr about your own concerns and ask for advice?

Hope you find some answers and strategies that help you both.

Cheers from Dools.