Partner: Does depression come in cycles? Am I a burden?

[Jamhealy27]

Hi everyone!

I was hoping for some advice about depression / anxiety that my partner is experiencing.He's a lovely man. But, I stuggle to understand his illness and how I can support him.

He has been on medication for two years and has been doing quite well. He has seen a psychologist aswell and had some good assistance.Lately, he feels he has fallen back into his old ways and the same feelings/emotions from the past are coming back.  

He is still on the same dosage of medication  (I don't think I can say the name, but its a common one with a single dose). He has become extremely tired, unmotivated and withdrawn (are these similar feelings others have experienced?). 

He feels guilty because he can't stay awake when I'm around or want to do things with me.The doctor hasn't changed his medication and I was wandering if this is just a relapse that will pass and he will become good again? How long does a depression period last?

He did switch his roster two five mornings a week doing 4am starts which I think has something to do with it.I feel i'm more of a burden to him now than any help and support.

His friends see a different person than I do.

I am confused. Jamine

[Residential_Cows]

It seems that his body rhythm has changed because he has switched rosters and quite possibly he is awake when he used to be asleep, this is common until his body gets used to the change. I get the idea that he can be more like himself around his friends because he has your support - I would not be to hard on yourself. 

[geoff]

dear Jam, don't be so hard on yourself, because it's not easy living with someone who has depression, especially if you are also suffering.

A change in rosters would certainly upset his body clock and make him tired, but also when we are coping with our depression it's quite easy to have a relapse, and again this maybe because of his change in work hours.

Although even though I have overcome depression for over 10 years, I still have relapses, but I know that I will feel better in a couple of days, so I hope this happens for him, and please don't feel as though your a burden.

You say that he's different with his friends, well that normally happens, but perhaps he is putting on a brave face with them, and they don't know that he has depression, but when he gets home he turns back to how he actually feels. L Geoff. x