Trying to Help My Partner

[BluPanda]

Hi All. I am a 47yr old woman in Brisbane who is struggling to support my 45yr old Male partner who is currently in crisis and I wondered if anyone had any advice. 
he is terrified and refusing to let me take him to a doctor even though I have assured him I will be there to support him the whole time. He has been on medication in the past but it made him intensely suicidal and so he is terrified the same thing will happen. In addition he is also really scared that if he opens up to the doctor they are going to lock him away in a psych ward and I have been unable to talk him round. 
I am very concerned for his well-being as currently he is not going to work, has withdrawn from all external contact with anyone except me or his parents who love overseas and he won’t disclose to them what is happening. 
he has gone AWOL from his job as well and refusing to answer calls and messages from his boss. 
I really don’t know where to go from here. 
I have been in treatment for depression myself on and off for the past 20 years and am currently  on meds and so have tried to reassure him that they are safe but I can’t get him to agree to see a Dr. 
I would really appreciate any supportive ideas or advice anyone has to give 

Thank you 

[Mark Z.]

Hi BluePanda,

I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. This sounds like an incredibly difficult situation for both you and your partner.

I think you need professional support, the Australian national mental health crisis line, Lifeline, can be reached at 13 11 14. There are trained professionals available 24/7 who can provide advice and resources for both you and your partner.

Another idea is, if your partner is unwilling to physically visit a doctor, maybe he would be more open to a telehealth consultation, where he can talk to a mental health professional from the comfort of home.

Alternatively, Support Groups could also be helpful. There are online and offline peer support groups for individuals experiencing mental health crises and their loved ones. Meeting people with lived experience and similar challenges will allow you to help and inspire each other.

You can also explore if there are people in your partner's life that he trusts other than you (such as his very close friends), consider reaching out to them for help. They may be able to talk to him, provide support, or offer new perspectives.

Remember it's crucial that you also take care of your own mental health during this challenging time. Take breaks, connect with loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, and reach out to a professional if you need help.

Hope everything will be better.

Mark