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Mental health

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Original poster

CRISIS team referral

9 replies

Llareggub · 03/02/2012 10:28

My DH is suffering from severe depression and was yesterday referred to the CRISIS team for support. Due to his alcoholism we are currently living apart but he has currently not drinking. His depression is spiralling and he is finding it very difficult to manage and he is experiencing terrible lows.

I am doing what I can to support from a distance but have 2 young children to remain strong for. I am wondering what we can expect from this referral and also if there is anything practically I can do to support him. He cannot come home until he can show a sustained period without alcohol as I need to protect our children from the situation and obviously day to day life is difficult enough as it is.

OP posts:

madmouse · 03/02/2012 11:16

Sounds to me like you are doing everything you can to support him. You've taken on sole care of your children so that he can get better. And you there for when he comes out of this. Now it's up to him.

Chances are he's being hit hard by the reality of his situation now the drink haze has worn off. Crisis team can give day to day support face to face and over the phone. Hope it helps.

Original poster

Llareggub · 03/02/2012 12:20

That's a good point about it hitting him hard. It has. I must add that he really is very, very depressed, and was before he started drinking again. He was sober for 5 years and in hindsight, I think there is an underlying mental health issue that has never been addressed.

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blossom123 · 03/02/2012 12:37

Llare my DP was referred to the Crisis team last year,he was v derpressed, drinking and suicidal. The Crisis team visitied everyday day until they felt he was "safe" and were absolutely amazing. He was then refered to therapist and and precribed AD's. I think you are doing all you can right now and most importantly taking care is your DC, it really is horrible watching someone you love go through this. Please keep your chin up

Original poster

Llareggub · 03/02/2012 12:42

Thank you, that is really helpful. How is your DP now?

I have spoken to him today and he sounds a lot better. Far more positive than yesterday when I have never heard him so bad. My chin is very firmly up - I have been on my own for around 4 weeks and it has made me so much stronger I feel like I can cope with anything.

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blossom123 · 03/02/2012 12:54

Well done you for being strong. Who refered your DH? is he happy for the Crisis team to visit? Mine DP fought tooth and nail he simply could not see there was anything wrong with him, despite taking an overdose and trying to blow is head off with a shot gun, all very scary stuff. Have to say @ the time took it all in my stride and felt I could cope with anything. But has really changed my view of the relationship. DP is a lot more stable now.

Original poster

Llareggub · 03/02/2012 14:27

Gosh, that must have been scary. How are you doing now?

I have approached a counselling service to help me over the next few months. I am on the waiting list but hopefully it won't be too long. Our GP referred him yesterday and I have since spoken to the team who have promised to see him today. He is happy to see them; he knows he is not right at the moment and thankfully wants to get better. At least, on a good day he does. Today he sounds very good but yesterday was horrendous.

I am looking for a job which will ease the financial stress as he is self-employed. I am good in a crisis so at the moment I am OK but I know that sooni will start feeling cross with him for drinking. But I'll cross that bridge then.

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floatinglotus · 03/02/2012 14:38

I've been with the crisis team a few times- they are there for intensive support until they think your DH can manage day to day in between appointments with his regular workers. It can be a really positive step when they get involved- it was for me, especially the first time I saw them, because the nature of the team means you do get a lot of face time and talking time with people who are trained to help so it can help you step back from the brink.

The crisis team is very short term though, so he'll only be with them for a few weeks, maximum. He'll get daily contact with someone in the team, probably via home visits although some times they alternate home visits every couple of days with telephone contact in between. Assuming they can help him through the crisis, they'll discharge him once they feel he's able to cope a little better, either back to his GP or he may get a referral to a specialist team.

In terms of practical support, just let him know that you're there for him, and talk to him every day-- things you're probably doing anyway. Hope things get better for you and him soon.

blossom123 · 03/02/2012 15:59

llare my DP also self employed, can be stressful, talking from experience there. Think it is important that you also get support, it can be a very lonely place. Do you have support in RL?

Original poster

Llareggub · 03/02/2012 16:36

I do have lots of support in RL. I am very lucky to have some very close friends to talk to. I know that not everyone feels able to talk about MH issues.

Thank you for sharing your experience, floatinglotus. What you describe sounds exactly what he needs. I really hope that he finds it as positive as you.

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