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Living with a partner with depression

Meg1234
Community Member

Hi

this is my first post but I am really struggling My partner is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for 7 years but the last 18 months he has been so depressed! We have a two year old daughter and he has quit two jobs in two years and we have moved 4 times! All of this was his decision as he was unhappy and blaming work or bosses for his unhappiness, I have followed and never complained but I feel like it is time to make changes as he is starting to effect my mental health! He refuses to look at himself that maybe he is depressed and that there are avenues he can go down like this website seeing a doctor or talking to someone! I don't know what to do anymore and need help I am to scared to push the issue with him as he gets cranky but I am unsure of how to get him help!

2 Replies 2

Ken1
Community Member

Hi Meg1234,

It definitely sounds like he needs help, especially if the way he's feeling is taking a negative toll on your mental health too. Admitting you have a problem can be the most difficult part of the process, so no doubt he's hearing you when you're trying to talk to him but is just refusing to listen due to what he had to go through after recovering from being an alcoholic.

I think a great place to start would be for him to see a Doctor who can just do a quick mental health evaluation - that way you both can know what you're dealing with and if the Dr confirms his depression then that could be a good step in him wanting to seek help.

I would probably be scared to push the issue too, because he probably knows his head better than you and no doubt doesn't want to put your family through any stress because of what's going on for him. However it is crucial for yours and your daughter's wellbeing that you are clear to him about wanting him to just see a Doctor (if that's what you decide) so that even if his mental health is fine, you can be reassured. You don't want him to feel like it's his fault but simple mention what you've noticed in him and how it's making you feel - potentially even what you're scared of the long term effects looking like. At the end of the day, if he is confident that you support him, then that's the most wonderful thing you can do for him.

It could even be worth you talking to a Doctor or a Counsellor about it - they may be able to give you more guided advice based on hearing the situation in more depth. They can also support you too!

It sounds like he's incredibly lucky to have someone looking out for him like you are. Wishing you courage and strength.

Bonnie

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Meg1234,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

I'm sorry to hear about the struggles that you're having with your husband; have you talked to anyone else about this; maybe friends or family?

It's not uncommon to find difficulty accepting that people have a problem. Alcohol is often (but not always) used to try and numb feelings or distract from what's really going on. As an alcoholic I imagine that it would be such a pattern he may not even be aware of how it's affecting your and your daughters life. What happens when you try to bring it up? What do you say and how does he get cranky?

An option that you may want to consider is going to see a therapist yourself. This can not only be a safe outlet as someone to talk to, but it may also help give you ideas on how to better support your husband or even better support yourself if you decide the relationship is no longer one that you can be in.

You may also find this site helpful - http://al-anon.org/for-spouses-and-partners