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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Depressed and angry husband, never ending

9 replies

RedClock · 22/09/2018 22:29

We’ve been married for 15 years and have two teenagers both with ASD. The last few years have been especially difficult with them and have left us both exhausted. DH has long term depression and has tried a lot of different types of medication and CBT but nothing has ever really worked. He’s currently on a high dose of drug which has removed his sex drive entirely but hasn’t made him any less miserable. I sometimes feel that he gets satisfaction out of nothing having helped his depression (I know this sounds incredibly unfair but I think he’s convinced nothing will help no matter what it is.).

He won’t socialise with me as he can’t drink and doesn’t see the point in going out, I don’t drink either but have a social life that I enjoy and friends I see. He doesn’t mind any of this.

I know it’s blindingly obvious I should leave but the kids are so intense and over analyse everything. They rely on both of us and their routine being the same, one of them also has had horrendous mental health issues which are ongoing. Us separating would make their lives so much more difficult but I don’t know what to do. I feel like a black cloud appears when DH comes into a room. If anyone else is in a similar situation how do you cope? Our house isn’t big enough for us to have separate rooms.

OP posts:
AjasLipstick · 23/09/2018 00:24

This sounds untenable OP. You just can't carry on like this. I understand however that your main concern is the children.

I think that in your shoes, I would check out of the marriage. Move into another bedroom and just think of yourself as emotionally separate.

SandyY2K · 23/09/2018 00:33

I agree with the above. Live together under one roof... but not as a couple and find happiness elsewhere.

Have a coparent relationship with him. You only get one life. Don't live in misery.

Whilst I sympathise...I wouldn't let my spouse's MH drag me down and ruin my life.

RedClock · 23/09/2018 19:44

I try not to let it ruin my life, I am generally an optimistic person and have plenty of friends and interests. I just wish there was a magic pill that made him feel the same. But he’s tried nearly all of them and I don’t think anything will change at this stage. The mental health problems one of our children has had over the last few years have been incredibly hard and that has made DH more unhappy too. I think that is improving a little now so maybe there’s hope.

OP posts:
Prokupatuscrakedatus · 23/09/2018 20:14

Forgive me asking, but being from an ASD family myself (4th generation):

As your children are both diagnosed with ASD, I assume that the check-up of your family background and histroy has resulted in an all clear for your DH?

TooOldForThis67 · 23/09/2018 20:44

My ex was exactly like your DP. I swear he didn't even like me being happy. In the end it wore me down and I left, no regrets. However, thankfully we didn't have children together. I now have a son with ASD and yes he doesn't like change but do you know what, I can manage soooo much better on my own (a different story but am in the middle of divorce from DP). I personally expect that my son will stay at home with me longer than any Atypical (sp?) kid. So, you have to think, how much longer can you cope with the situation like it is? Wont your kids be better off with a happy Mum (and maybe happier Dad)?
I really feel for you and hope you get some respite soon. Flowers.

Annandale · 23/09/2018 20:51

Is your dh ever reviewed by a specialist mh team? Has he got an appointment coming up? Could you go with him and explain how minimal the effects of treatment have been along with intolerable side effects?

I can't say it's a solution as my dh is no longer alive. However, ECT was incredibly effective for his depression during one episode.

RedClock · 24/09/2018 08:48

Prokupatuscrakedatus no, I definitely think he is on the spectrum, my DD’s mental health practitioners also thought the same after some of our sessions. He has no formal diagnosis and doesn’t think it would help. He’s due an appointment soon for a meds review and I will insist on going with him, he doesn’t really like it when I do but I suspect he’s not being truthful with the gp.

OP posts:
Prokupatuscrakedatus · 24/09/2018 21:27

@redClock - (no paragraphs for me, too). Well, an undiagnosed ASD - as you know because of your DC - means no help since childhood, that could lead to all sorts of problems and even comorbidities (depression, anxiety, anger, OCD, not being able to correctly identify or even recognize emotions, a constant feeling of being not good enough, low self esteem, etc.). He must want to get help though.

Olderbyaminute · 07/10/2018 19:58

My heart goes out to you I also have a special needs child with mh needs due to area of brain where he had a stroke. There are more intense treatments for depression but only if your spouse actually wants to be better such as electroconvulsive treatment or deep brain stimulation. I agree with you he may not be truthful with the MD. (I’m an RN in the US)
Idk what to say about your marital problems but offer you support. I cannot imagine raising a special child alone. Good luck

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