been together 25 years and has always had highs and lows but in recent years they've increased to a crisis point.
2006-09-25 05:17:22 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi there,
Its difficult to tell without hearing more about the nature of the highs and lows. How to deal with the depression depends on what level this depression is (manic depressive, or less intense).
If possible, I suggest you take your spouse to the doctor. He/she may not want to go (quite common among manic depressives - if it is that level), apply gentle pressure but do not force the person or get angry.
The best thing you can do is support the person. Listen to what they have to say supportively, even though so of it may seem stupid or childish to you, and make yourself available to hearing what they have to say. But equally dont let it take over your own life (as it often can). Medical advice is usually helpful and i strongly advise. If you cannot get your spouse to see a doctor, you could go to this site;
http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php
If you call one of the numbers at the bottom of the page they should be able to point you in the direction of someone who can give you advice on how to deal with your spouse and help them.
If you do see a doctor, take their advice but i STRONGLY advise you seek cognitive help rather then drugs. Many of the drugs offered for depression (and dolled out far too regularly by the NHS doctors) treat the effects of the depression rather then the causes. I was on drugs for my depression myself, and they simply cut out my thought processes, so I was very high or very low, with none of the worrying in between. I would suggest a councillor or step by step plan rather the resorting to drugs at first.
Hope that helps.
2006-09-25 05:30:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is a regular cycle for him (frequently would be a rapid cycler or even just 3 or 4 times a year) he could well be Bipolor (also know as manic-depressive). I will admit that I am myself. I've been in treatment for many years. My wife is VERY supportive. Great relationship with my doctor. He can have this also, instead of the very painful misery of the "Ups & Downs". I really "Feel" for the both of you. Please do get some help. You can live a normal life with mental illness, but it can also have it's dangerous moments.
Also, if you are hesitant to get out for help right away, try looking around the internet for Bipolor groups. There are some good ones (especially on Yahoo & MSN). They can be of great assistance.
Hope this helps. Prayers are with you.
2006-09-25 07:20:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are on Yahoo asking for help of this serious nature as you say, you are not at a crisis point yet.
As an adult and a loving spouse, you would be speaking to your doctor. You have a doctor or a Mental Health Department, don't you?
Please call a professional and make an appointment tout suite.(QUICKLY-NOW!)
2006-09-25 05:22:28 · answer #3 · answered by Notorious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like my family situation..mental illness is very painful, I mean it really feels like you want to die. I have been through it with a few family members, and your spouse needs to get to the ER right away to be seen by a Physician and then a mental case worker will come in, and she may need to be put in a calming, supportive hospital just for her/his needs. Your suffering too. Get help asap!! Good Luck sweetie.
2006-09-25 05:25:13 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only one answer.... talk, talk and talk. After 25 years hopefully you can be open what's going on. You need to express your love and concern about them being down and a desire to help them through it. What is it? Money, job, family or just their life passing them by? If they won't talk to you then a counsellor?
Suggest a health check with the doc to rule out any physical disease.
Try to help them make some positive steps to achieve their life goals, and don't wait for retirement to be happy. Good luck
2006-09-25 05:23:45 · answer #5 · answered by Dancemomma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your husband's doctor. The doctor can assist in making arrangements to have him evaluated (including committing him for 24-48 hours if he won't go voluntarily).
2006-09-25 05:21:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband also suffers from depression. He receives therapy for it once a week. If your husband is not in some sort of treatment he should be. There is no shame in it. I think it saved my marriage.
2006-09-25 05:30:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get medical attn
2006-09-25 05:18:57 · answer #8 · answered by Jenyfer C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋