Spouse Refusing Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

[Shawnee1]

Greetings, everyone.

I am looking for a support group for people whose spouses are refusing treatment for anxiety and depression. My husband has wrestled with anxiety and depression as long as I've known him (about 8 years), but it has gotten considerably worse this year. It used to be seasonal, but now it is constant. It is having an obvious effect on his work, his ability to get things done from day to day, and on our relationship. On good days he is just a little moody and hyper-critical/hyper sensitive. On bad days he will start crying out of nowhere. Despite admitting to wrestling daily with anxiety and depression, he refuses to get help.

I hate myself for it, but I've gotten to the point to where I breathe a sigh of selfish relief when he is out of town for work. I have even been thinking about divorce a lot, lately. I am not sure what to do. If he doesn't get help soon, I'm afraid our marriage may not survive the year. I promised "in sickness and in health," but I'm at the point to where I man having trouble being a happy, productive person. I know it is selfish, but I'm running out of steam.

Sorry to throw all this out there. I just need to get it off my chest and talk with someone who is in a similar situation. I guess my overall question is, "when is enough enough?"

I wish I were stronger, more supportive, more empathetic... I'm just tired... and sad.

[fauxartist]

I know you’re really between a rock and a hard spot when our spouse or anyone close to us has a mental illness that seems to escalate over the years, but if they are not willing to acknowledge they are sick and need help, there's a possibility there is nothing you can do. You may want to try an intervention, but I would do that in counselling or with other friends and family....it's terrible sad and not selfish at all really...if you don't know the desperation of depression, you cannot understand what he is going through.

I also wanted to ask: is the picture you posted of you or your husband, either way, make sure when you post it's in private mode for members only, otherwise this photo is accessible to the public.....