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Family coping with family member with depression

robyng
Community Member

My husband suffers depression and takes prescribed medication. At the moment he is going through an anger behaviour period with my Son and Daughter-in-Law and with myself. He is not talking to my Son. they live on the same property. My Son doesn't quite understand why he is the way he is.

I have many a time nurtured him through depression where he is flat on his back, not eating or sleeping. I do remember sometime back when he did have this anger behaviour but it used to lead up to a full bout of the above. At least I could handle him then in regards to medication and taking him to see professionals. He is very negative and does not like the daughter-in-law at all so he is taking it out on everyone else. He is will not reason with anyone.

Last week I went to see our GP myself as I was not feeling well with all of this. I have chronic health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure but taking meds for this. I mentioned to the GP that my husband was having one of his moods. I eventually got my husband to see GP today to get flu shot. He asked my husband if he was OK and husband replied yes. Dr. said he seemed low and not himself but he replied önly for a few problems at home". DR then went to get flue vaccine in another room. Whilst he was out Husband than asked me if I had been talking to GP and didn't like the fact that I had. DR then came in again and asked Husband if he would like to see someone to talk to and he replied NO I am fine.

I am getting worried as my Son is suffering and it also affecting my 5-yr old grandson. He is nasty to him as well.

I'm not sure if this anger mood is a lead up to sending him down further but as he is on the medication I'm not sure. Husband is very negative with whatever you say to him at moment.

Can anyone help me here.

3 Replies 3

PamelaR
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Robyng and welcome to our community

I'm pleased you've found your way here. Things aren't sounding the best for you at the moment. It feels like you are walking on egg shells. Can you relate to this?

Did you want to talk more about the 'anger behaviour period' your husband is going through? Are you or your children (and grand children) in danger? If so, please call emergency services on 000.

Other services to talk to about your husband's behaviour include:

  • 1800 respect (1800 737 732)
  • Lifeline 13 11 14 or if you want to chat online www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat
  • Beyond Blue Support Services 1300 224 636 or chat on line at 1300 224 636 between 3pm and 12pm.

There is also Relationships Australia if you want to get help with your relationship 1300 364 277.

The story you have shared sounds a little frightening and if it were me I'd be reaching out for help from someone. It's okay to do this if you want to.

You're not alone Robyng.

Kind regards

PamelaR

robyng
Community Member
How can you MAKE him go to a professional to talk.. He is of not sane mind to make that decision. He is just giving me and my son hell. I can't be in the same room with him.. I have tried other places to talk to people. We are walking on eggshells here. He won't admit he has a problem. He may not be abusing us physically but he is mentally. I haven't seen him as bad as this. I think he will lose me and his son if he keeps it up. How long do we have to wait until he sees a doctor.

00
Community Member

Hi There I am going through the same thing except my husband is only punishing me, being verbally abusive and angry.. He wants me to move away with him and I don’t want to because I have all my friends here .... He thinks he will be happier if he moved which I know won’t be the case, I know he is depressed but can’t get him to see anyone, I am seeing a counsellor next week to help me help him.