anyone married to someone with clinical depression?

I am not married to one but have lived around people in my family who suffer from chemical in-balances....and my experience is that it is important for you to remain as normal as possible, holding him accountable to his responsibilities and illness. It is very hard to live with something that is so hard to understand. Yes you have to be patient but do not fall in the codependent position that is easy to get into. Keep in mind that at times medications need to be adjusted and changed. Good Luck!

Well, sexual abuse victims usually compensate by either being withdrawn from sex or by thinking they are good for nothing but sex. In either case, enjoyment often remains beyond reach. One thing you can do is seek the help of some sex therapists. There are legitimate groups who do that very thing. Both you nd your husband would need to follow the course for it to be effective. And it might not be a bad thing to visit a hypnotherapist. Possibly the depression is related to repressed memories which can never be recalled otherwise. If your metabolism is normal, there is a 35% chance that nutritional therapy will be as effective as your antidepressant medication, but the two do not necessarily mix. The Mayo Clinic is very advanced in those alternatives.

A message from the "depressed" partner. Make sure YOU have a support system so that you can take time for yourself. You may come to resent him if you don't. If you burn out it will be bad for both of you. If he is in a mood where he just can't handle being around anyone let him be alone- stay nearby. If he has times where he has no appetite try to see if he will eat a little something. Food can help.

Take extra good care of yourself- eat well, get your sleep and exercise. If he can't eat- you still eat, if he can't sleep you are going to have to go to bed- there are plenty of good nonaddictive meds for sleep problems so if it becomes a regular situation let his doctor know. If he can't get motivated to take a walk- you still take a walk (or whatever you ENJOY doing). Be real good to yourself when you can.

If the lexapro does not stop these "moods" maybe his body chemistry will respond better to one of the other antidepressants (there are many and sometimes it takes a combination of meds).

I pray for you both- the road is not easy for either of you.

I don't have advice, but wanted to say that my husband has bipolar, and I wish he would take meds, but he says he doesn't like needles, etc. When I see him down, I just tend to try and find something that he really enjoys, and it normally would make him feel a little better, or I just go in the other room, lol.

married clinical depression

Love him. He's the one who is ill. I am sure you need your support system, but you are his support.

All I can say is that if you hang on and be patient, add cheer, it will help you more than him.

Do things that will make you happy and I am sure he will be happy too. You have to explore...You have to take the lead.

I always think of how life would be five or ten years from now and that puts a smile on my face. Because I know that tomorrow will be happier.

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my wife has to deal with me during my swings. I know when its hitting and I try and let her know. I can't help you with my wife's coping mechanism. I think it has something to do with microwave popcorn and reality TV.

I hate my husband ,I am just there for my 3 kids ,other wise I hate him he is just offul you never know what triggers the mood of his ,every thing I do is wrong what ever I do to please him is not enough ,being bipoler is not some thing to avoid repulsive eghhh hate full .