Trying to fight for our relationship

howtolivewithit
Community Member

Hi everyone. I know I'm a strong person but this time I don't know anymore how to handle the situation wd my partner. At the start of our relationship I already knew he has history of anxiety & depression. As it is 'history' then I thought it's over as he also stopped taking medications. He was good to me and we lasted more than 2yrs.

However, in the course of our relationship I can see some inconsistencies with his behaviour. Problems can be like mountains to him. He's forgetful and blame it to his medications for his anxiety and depression. He can't think fast. Always dreading going to work. Always having an upset tummy that doest respond to normal medication. Scared to go to sleep because he might not be able to wake up. Run to the confession room the next day after we have sex. Watch porn too much even though he feels too guilty about it. On the things he feels guilty of doing he would still do them and the cycle goes on. He's scared of the end of the world. His behaviours will immediately change when there's a full bright moon but when he's fine he knew that his reaction to it is beyond normal.

For a couple of times we almost broke up but this time all of a sudden he moved out. He broke up with me bec accdg to him I deserve some1 better & that he has done too much damage already. But I was able to talk him into coming back together. We are communicating well through text and I know in my heart that he still loves me but don't know what to do with it that he would rather run. I don't know if anxiety and depression is causing him not to think properly of a solution cause he will always tell me "I dont know...it's like my brain is not functioning properly...I'm lost" I told him I'm here and I want us to fight for our love but he always say that he might disappoint me in the future. I want to fight for this bec before he fought for it too. But, sometimes he's hard to understand. His reasonings and his constant change of mind. I feel hurt too and sometimes emotions clouded my judgwmet and forget that he is not coping well. 

He agreed to see a psychologist again but said he had bad experiences with them that's why he did not went back. But still I was able to convince him and he said he will make arrangements. I'm scared though that he might change his mind again as he always does. I want to make him feel better, have a clear head, and decide and make judgements properly for himself and not only for our relationship. 

 

4 Replies 4

Carmela
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
Hi and welcome to Beyondblue. I can see from your post that your partner is behaving in a way that is causing you great concern and distress. I am so sorry to hear this. Unfortunately we can love them, support them, and be there for them, but it is ultimately their journey and l believe it’s important that he seeks help from a healthcare profession to address his depression and anxiety. He is obviously not coping and his current
strategy is just not working.  In my experience, it's really important that you remind him you are there, when and if he is ready.  The more you push, the further they pull away, so a gentle approach I find is best.  Gently encourage him to see a psychologist, counselling etc or help him do the research to find the best person for him.  Can l recommend that you both visit the GP and have the discussion.  It might provide him an opportunity to explain his apprehension in seeing psychologist and the GP might be able to identify someone else who is more suitable.

One of the things you can do for you now is practice self-care.  As carers we can become overwhelmed by our
partners struggles, so ensure you get some respite and do things that make you happy. Make sure you're eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise. You can also keep stress under control by practicing
relaxation techniques such as meditation. 

I hope I have been of some help for you.  

Hello Carmela,

thank you for taking time in replying to my post. He hasn't moved back in with me as he's afraid we might have sex again. But has declared that he still love me and will visit me more often. He promised me he will make an appointment with his GP this week but I'm scared he will change his mind again. But, you're right I shouldn't nag him. But, should I follow it up? Or just wait for him to tell me he that he has made arrangements already on when to see his GP? He doesn't want me to tell his parents that he's struggling but is happy for me to go with him. I feel so sad to see him look so lost and tired. He told me he's always thinking about the end of the world and when I told him he's having delusion and it's part of his depression he would acknowledge it. Was I even right to say that to him?Just heartbreaking. 

 As for myself, I am talking to my best friend about it and is an active listener. She would even give me food and encourage me to eat as I lost my appetite. But now that I slowly understand about his illness by reading almost everything here in beyondblue I feel empowered on how to deal with him. That I shouldn't attack the behaviour but see the cause of the behaviour. I'm still learning but I'm so glad I came across this website. Thank you

 

lifes-adventures
Community Member
Hi, I am so sorry you are finding things difficult but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. My husband is away working at the moment and is unsure if he wants the kids and I to join him or if he wants to be on his own for awhile longer (we haven't been able to join him for a couple months and won't for a couple more months due to some hospital appointments for our son) because he thinks we deserve better. In some ways I think he is right, we do deserve better, a better version of him with this rotten disease under control. I really don't have any advice for you i'm sorry, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone and you are stronger then you think, you will get through this and your strength and love mean more then he is able to tell you i'm sure 🙂

Hi, I am so sorry its taken so long to reply.  It has been a week since your post. Has your husband seen a GP as yet?  You asked if you should follow it up? I would very gently. You are concerned and l feel if you don't you will always be wondering.  Be courageous but gentle with your conversations. 

As for his comment on the end of the world, unfortunately, the depressed loved ones will most likely see things in the negative.  You can steer the conversation to the positive and tell him about the beauty that is around him. I am a firm believer that the challenges in our lives including those around the world, are lessons, learning that we need to experience and see the duality of bad that is good. A big statement and many of my own family and friends have challenged me on this one, but it allows me to live the fullest life even with a depressed partner of 18 years.