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Relationships

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

DP and depression

17 replies

Coffee20 · 05/10/2022 16:42

My DP has been suffering from depression for a few years and over the last few months it's escalated to suicidal thoughts and he finally spoke to the GP and got some medication which took a while to get use too and then seemed to help but over the last 4-6 weeks he's took a huge huge step back and I don't know how to support him anymore.

Everyday it's hard work, he's always low, stressed and negative but I've always managed to support him but now I'm so tired. I can't voice my needs because then he gets down that he can't support me because he's mentally weak.

It's starting to affect the kids but if I say to much then I worry what he will do to himself.

I'm encouraging him to talk to his Gp again but he's reluctant and I'm just at a loss.

Any wisdom on how to help him through this?

OP posts:
Badger1970 · 05/10/2022 16:55

Is there a chance that he's stopped taking it?

No one can help having MH issues, but you can help yourself through them by engaging with professionals and getting help. When someone refuses to do this, it's a whole other ball game isn't it?

It's very unfair that this is affecting the DC and you. No one should be walking on eggshells in their own home.

Coffee20 · 05/10/2022 17:17

Badger1970 · 05/10/2022 16:55

Is there a chance that he's stopped taking it?

No one can help having MH issues, but you can help yourself through them by engaging with professionals and getting help. When someone refuses to do this, it's a whole other ball game isn't it?

It's very unfair that this is affecting the DC and you. No one should be walking on eggshells in their own home.

Thank you for your reply.

He was terrible at remembering so now I remind him at a certain time each day and he takes them.

I'm trying to be calm, patience loving and before that seemed to help but the last few weeks it doesn't seem enough.

OP posts:
Coffee20 · 05/10/2022 17:18

He looks after our DC while I work and it's becoming unmanageable for him. I try and find alternative childcare but some days I can't and it's so stressful for him and me and the DC.

OP posts:
Badger1970 · 05/10/2022 17:24

Oh gosh, that sounds horribly stressful - for all of you.

There's a chance that he needs a medication change - it's rare to find the right dose/drug at first go. Nothing to be ashamed of for him, and probably very easily sorted by a chat to the GP. Do you think he'd attend if you offered to go with him? Or could you contact the GP yourself and ask them to get him back for a med review?

Coffee20 · 05/10/2022 18:53

Badger1970 · 05/10/2022 17:24

Oh gosh, that sounds horribly stressful - for all of you.

There's a chance that he needs a medication change - it's rare to find the right dose/drug at first go. Nothing to be ashamed of for him, and probably very easily sorted by a chat to the GP. Do you think he'd attend if you offered to go with him? Or could you contact the GP yourself and ask them to get him back for a med review?

I did suggest to him about his medication needing to be changed but he's resistant to phone and still 'admit weakness' as he calls it.

I have been tempted to phone and just say he isn't doing well I don't think the medication is working for him in the hope they do a welfare check.

OP posts:
Coffee20 · 15/11/2022 11:33

Just bumping this for any more advice. I'm at my wits end but scared to say anything to him in case he does something stupid to himself.

OP posts:
Velocity · 15/11/2022 12:19

I also have a DP who suffers from depression sometimes it is more series than others but it is always there. I completely get what you say about not being able to voice your own needs.

Here's what works for us.

My DH recognises that he has a mental health problem - he takes this medication, goes to therapy (and does the homework). We're never 'over' the depression, but I know that he is trying. For me, this is important.

From my side, I know that when he is in a bad state he needs lots of sleep, a calm, tidy home environment, and nourishing food.

I also plan activities at the weekend that take me and DS out of the house - library, swimming, and trips to the park. We could then have shorter periods of family time when DH could plaster on a smile and interact (dinner, film etc.,).

I had to give up my idea of how I thought things should be, and adjust life to the reality of what it was (is). This sounds a bit depressing but it can be liberating and can make dealing with his depression less tiring because you're not fighting against it (if that makes sense).

Finally, finding time for yourself is very difficult but can you find time during the day - lunchtime, going to/from the office to build in some meditation, read a book, meet up with a friend? And/or you can see a point in the near future when that might be possible?

How old are your children? We were able to shield DS from the worst of it when he was a toddler, now we can find age-appropriate ways of signalling when DH needs to rest/more space.

So hang in there, you are not alone there are plenty of us who know what it's like.

Coffee20 · 15/11/2022 12:31

Thank you for your insight Velocity, it's incredibly difficult and I admire how you've taken the steps to help you deal with it too.

Unfortunately my DP is extremely needy with his so wants me to be by his side constantly which wasn't a problem before but now he's going so low when I have work, if I do anything without him he's on edge, low, paranoid and this makes everything difficult because I'm constantly trying to pre empt his mood and reactions to protect the DC.

The DC are old enough to no something isn't right and I don't think I'm protecting them from his low moods aswell I was now it's escalating.

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 15/11/2022 12:43

Make an apptt with gp for you
Tell gp how this is impacting you and dc
Ask for referral for you to nhs counsellor

Look up "depression fallout"

How old are dc?

Is there family he can go to so you get a break?
Tell family and friends

Tell gp from your perspective
Tell school or nursery so they can look put for dc

Ask gp for the crisis team number so you can put it into dp phone and urge him to call them

Be ready to take dc to safecplace if needs be (keep small bag eith charger for phone cards cash) and calll 999 for urgent help if he gets very paranoid or unsafe and is sign he needs medical inout

First step go see gp and tell it how it is for you

cestlavielife · 15/11/2022 12:51

With my ex it did escalate badly, but by talking to gp yourself you can tell it how it is and gp can decide how to take it forward with your dp
It is an issue if it impacts dc and you and he is not taking steps
Any talk of suicide or concern you can call 999 to get him assessed.
Do not hide it from friends family or gp

Coffee20 · 15/11/2022 12:52

He's contact the GP and on medication and has been seeing a Councillor but doesn't believe it's helpful.

He says me being there constantly is best for him but I don't believe it is and it isn't for me. I feel suffocated. If I go on my phone it's "what you doing, who you texting, should I be worried" it's draining but if I say anything it sends him close to the edge that we would all be better off without him and if I'm not happy with him then he has nothing at all.

DC are primary age and are beginning to notice thing a which is a massive concern to me because it's not an upbringing I want for them.

We're not in physical danger he's a danger to himself not anyone else but because of this the Gp isn't interested and just tells him to continue with medication

OP posts:
Waterfalls39 · 15/11/2022 12:59

His poor mental health doesn't give him a free pass to be your jailer.

I'd be very careful here, he's using this as a control method and this could be very hard for you to break away from.

Can you stay with some family/friends for a bit and get some space from him? It sounds a really unhealthy environment for you, him and the children.

gamerchick · 15/11/2022 13:04

You can't carry on like this OP. He's using it as excuse to control you. That's no way for you or the kids to live.

Tell him he needs to make it a mission to get on an even keel himself with support. I couldn't stay with someone who didn't own their own health. It's not your job.

If you didn't have kids it would be easy for you to sacrifice yourself if you wanted. You can't sacrifice your kids as well though. It's not fair.

Miss03852 · 15/11/2022 13:06

This might sound silly but I’d do a food intolerance test for him(you can buy them online). I did one and gave up everything I came us as intolerant to (dairy, gluten) it made a huge difference to my depression, was the only thing that majorly improved it

cestlavielife · 15/11/2022 13:24

if I say anything it sends him close to the edge that we would all be better off without him and if I'm not happy with him then he has nothing at all.

"I cannot be responsible for your health and happiness. "

Coffee20 · 15/11/2022 13:25

Waterfalls39 I can see him havjng physical anxious reactions when I'm going out or to work but now he has the negative mood/attitude and silent treatment which is making me worry it's going into controlling territory.

gamerchick this is where I'm struggling, he is trying to get better, he's trying to get help but nothing seems to be working yet and I'm getting lost

Miss03852 really? Do you have one that you would recommend? I'd try anything at this point

OP posts:
Miss03852 · 15/11/2022 14:47

really? Do you have one that you would recommend? I'd try anything at this point

www.yorktest.com This is the one I used, you finger prick yourself and give them a bit of blood and they tell you all your intolerances, it’s really good

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