Replies to 'Depression'

Quote From: psychwife2

I didn't mean to confuse the issue with my comment about the counseling....I'm not talking about going through counseling with the ex...just you and your husband. The ex is just a factor that you might have to discuss in counseling as to how his presence in your life makes things difficult for you.

If you are truly having trouble leaving the house, or if you are sleeping to avoid your life, you may be experiencing some true depression. I would at least suggest that you see a psychiatrist for a consultation...if they feel you are truly depressed, a little time on an anti-depressant might help you at least get out of your funk and help you to deal with your troubles. And if they don't believe that you meet the criteria for depression, you could possibly be going through a grief process that you will need some help to work through. Depending on your mental health benefits, you could either consider seeing the psychiatrist or a psychologist for therapy....talking to someone who validates your feelings, who helps you work through your grief really helps. I did this when I was facing my father's impending death from cancer. I thought I was coping well with Daddy's illness...after all, I drove 100 miles to my parents home a few days a week so that I could give my mother some relief. I felt that I was dealing with things perfectly but on the days I didn't go to visit them, I found that I didn't want to get off of the sofa....I didn't want to take care of my family...I acted out in anger at those around me...not much different from what you are going through now.

I started going to weekly therapy sessions with a psychologist and I can't begin to tell you how empowering it was....I worked through my grief and by the time my father finally died, I was able to cope much better than I would have before. The things that I discovered about myself through therapy extended beyond my grief situation...the tools that I learned have helped me in many other crisis since then.

Sorry to go on so long about my own situation, but I thought it might help to know that help is out there...that it DOES get better...but you might have to make the initial move towards your recovery.

Best of luck to you!