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Anxious/depressed DP- what do I do?

1 reply

SemiAquaticEggLayingMammal · 04/01/2019 19:56

Dp and I have been together just over two years. He has increasingly battled with anxiety over the last 10 years or so and it manifested in very jealous behaviour towards me which ended in him seeking counselling- he had about 6 months of hypnotherapy which was hugely helpful and I was so proud of him for taking action to improve his behaviour as it would have been over if he had continued.

But it's coming back. He's managing it, as in trying very hard not to accuse me/ ask me where I have been when he knows exactly where (er...work)/who I am messaging/whether I spoke to any men etc etc etc but the effort of this seems to actually be making him feel worse in himself and he is now depressed. He's snappy and irritable, intolerant and generally fed up of everyone and anything. For the record, I've never been unfaithful to him or anyone else ever and so his anxieties are completely unfounded in my case.

I am being as supportive as I know how. I certainly don't judge him, I've had sustained periods of low mood if not full depression so I appreciate a little of how his world might be.

One if the things that is an issue between us is that we dont live together, I'm not ready for it and neither are my children. (He also has children who live with him). He thinks that everything would be better if we lived together but I disagree totally, I want him to learn how to be happy before we take this step as I really don't think it would be the magic pill he thinks.

Am I being as unkind as he says? I just don't think I can go on supporting him when his behaviour towards me is making me so miserable. I feel terrible guilt though at potentially ending our relationship when he might need me to be his rock. I just don't think I can be :(

OP posts:
Magpiefeather · 04/01/2019 20:08

I really think you’re right. IMO He needs to learn how to be happy (for want of a better word “stable”) before you move in together. If you do it too soon too much change could send him spiralling?

My DH struggles with anxiety and depression. One thing I have made quite clear is that I am supportive, I will help him as much as I can and I do want to be there for him, but I am there as support, not an outlet. He is still responsible for what he says and how he acts towards me and I will not stand for any crap. Being clear about this and consistent has really truly helped. It means he has to find a way to tell me his anxious thoughts if he wants to get them out in the open, but without it them then being my problem. And I make damn sure I don’t (unreasonably) moderate my behaviour to comply with his anxieties. Then I can support him, talk through the worries rationally etc but not be squashed myself by his anxiety.

So in your case your DP would need to learn to confide in you
“I’ve been struggling today with thoughts that you haven’t been at work but out with someone else” for example

Rather than
“Where have you been? Have you really been at work?” Etc

Sounds like a subtle difference but may make a big difference.

In our case my DHs worries are different (not directly about me) but it has helped him recognise what is not rational and has helped me not to feel burdened.

All the best hope you work it out

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