Husband doesn't want to be alive anymore

[Gemmy96]

I don't know what to do. I think I might see if he can see a psychiatrist privately. He says he doesn't want to die, he just doesn't want to live. I knew he'd been feeling down for a while but didn't suspect anything this bad. What on earth am I meant to do

The Samaritans can be wonderful at just listening to your upset. It depends on who you get. I've called often just to cry about things happening and things happening to someone I care about. You might find it helpful just for you.

Unfortunately, A and E will be full of some genuinely sick people, several drunk people, some people with simple or what we call ‘uncomplicated’ toothache and several people who should have gone to their pharmacy or GP. If you do get to see someone from psych, you will be sent home. (Source: 26 years experience with mental health.)

OP, Psych Liason will look at several factors such as intention/plans, any recent attempts or self harm, and the support he has at home. Since your DH has you, and a warm, loving home and is not harming himself and not intending to, Psych Liason in my experience is likely to deem it much healthier for him to go home than to be admitted to hospital, which is really very traumatising indeed.

I would take him to the GP as an emergency appointment on Monday. The GP may prescribe medication. Ask what help is available in the community but also be prepared to ask for a referral to a private psychiatrist. You can get an ‘open referral’ so you don’t have to take a name into the appointment.

Of course you’re going to worry and that’s only natural, but in my long experience there is a significant difference between not wanting to go on and actually attempting to take one’s life.

wishing you all the best xxxxx

As you’ve an under one year old he should be fast tracked for Mh support so look at self referral but also contact your health visitor. The service is there for dads too.

That's really reassuring, thank you x

if he's not actively suicidal this is terrible advice

I'd suggest the GP but also in my area and many others now there are places called mental health hubs. This is where we turned to when absolutely nobody would take my partner seriously when he felt like your husband. He was phone assessed within 24 hours, seeing a counsellor within a week and referred to a psychiatrist within 2 weeks.
Have a Google for mental health hub followed by your local area, hopefully you have one Local to you

111 and mental health option. If he won't go then
Samaritans are excellent (I have used them several times ) CALM is another excellent resource.

It is excellent that he has confided in you, as tough as it is for you to deal with.

The notion of not wanting to live but not wanting to die either is quite a common feeling (my counsellor assured me when I told him ) Nonetheless get him some support