Supporting Husband and trying to stay sane

[Tazzy]

My husband decided to go off his medication cold turkey 2 weeks ago, and well it has been hell. He wanted to be off it. Terrible mood swings, irritable behavior, reckless behavior and drinking and not sleeping has been the result.

He has had moments of good, but for the large part very anxious and snapping at everyone. He had been warned about going cold turkey and I begged him to taper off with medical help, but he wanted to do it his way.

Anyway, I have managed to get him to agree to go to the GP and ask for a mental health care plan as I think he needs professional help. Most of the time I tell myself this is the nature of the disease, but its hard not to take it personally and our family is suffering. I am even seeing a therapist on my own to try and equip me with the skills to cope.

Every day I tread on egg shells, not knowing what I will come home to or wake up to. I am glad that he is seeing the GP its a step in the right direction. All advice would be appreciated.

[blondguy]

Hi Tazzy

Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting too!

You are in a tough spot here for sure and well done for getting counseling for yourself ....a very smart move

I used to have acute anxiety the followed by depression which has been around since 1996. (fyi)

Your husband's decision has impacted his family and himself. This decision is part of the 'stigma' where he may see himself as weak for being on meds which is sad.

The snapping, reckless behavior, Mood Swings, Self Medicating are an exhausted mind that cant cope. I really hope his GP can get him back on the meds. (well done for getting him to the GP..excellent)

Depression/Anxiety is not a free pass to belligerent behavior of any shape or form....Its just not acceptable.

I am sorry that you have walk on eggshells Tazzy...You and especially your children should not be exposed to this. It is crucial that your husband re-engage his meds....for his family.....and himself

His meds are no different to a diabetic taking their insulin or a person with high blood pressure taking their meds.

My anti-depressant has given me my life back and been taking one everyday for 21 years. My career also improved by sticking with them....and my personal life

There are many kind people on the forums that can be here for you Tazzy. You are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish, even if you just need to chat 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paulx

[Popcorn]

Let it out I feel you. You love him I can see that but it doesn't make it any easier at times we all need to let it out sometimes.

I know you already know this but its part of the mantra, It will pass, in a few months it will just be something you remember ( and if the meds were making him gain weight do your best to make him feel you'll love him reguatdless, I made that mistake personally watch out for innocent looking loaded questions but we all slip up). If he got off them just because he didn't like it or didn't believe he needed it it's harder.

You got him to agree to the GP well done but make sure he goes. That is key. If they put him back on some meds it will still be like this for a while (but you know that too) they might get him a review too or a new psych if so ditto about making sure he goes.

Keys with the kids are routines with them even if he doesn't have one at the moment. I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing myself but I try to get my partner to a different part of the house from the kids if I see that their mood is souring and let them play with him and share treats when he's having good moments also I let him sleep!

Just let them sleep who cares about wonky sleeping patterns if it's all day it's all day you will feel it if trying to make him keep normal time and he doesn't sleep at all so work with what you got until he's back in control again. I know about the issues at night and I feel you, seriously, I have the same issue right now, but the kids are asleep and he will get in control again if you have any people who can help lean on them a little. Make sure you have a break even if it's to go to their house kids in tow and nap (let them know first). If you don't have people try to steal some naps if you can. And keep doing what your doing with the getting out of the house. It's not a bed of roses but those are my straitigies.