My husband has been suffering from depression for 2 years. It has become quite severe and is putting enormous pressure on our marriage and young family. He has been very reluctant to address his depression. He has seen a psychologist on a few occassions but it's difficult for him to get there, and it doesn't seem to be helping. Whilst I'm a big believer in using psychology to help with depression, in my husbands case I think he needs something more.
He's also recently started taking St Johns Wort and B vitamins, but he rarely remembers to take them. I've asked him to eat a handful of cashews a day (equivalent to antidepressants apparently), but they don't get eaten.
We live a very natural lifestyle, in terms of diet and healthcare and get plenty of exercise. We always seek out natural remedies and use medication as an absolute last resort. But my husband's depression has reached the point where I think this might be a neccessity, for the sake of his wellbeing and our family.
I'm at a loss as to what to do to help him, and he feels very strongly about taking antidepressants, but his depression is tearing us apart. He's concerned about the side effects and long term impact antidepressants may cause, even if he only needs them for 6-12 mo. He said he will take them if I thoroughly research them and feel comfortable that they're safe.
Has anyone else researched these medications from the perspective of someone who leads a natural lifestyle? I know our GP will be able to provide advice, but they will be looking at it from a different perspective than we would. Hoping someone here has some advice or insight to share.
I just want my husband to get back to feeling himself again, for my daughter to meet her Daddy for who he truly is, and for our little family to be happy.
