How do I start the process for my husband to get counseling for depression?!
Question: We are having marriage issues right now, but I know he is battling demons from his past, we have been here before but now for the 1st time our marriage is on the line because of it. (this is what I believe anyway) How do I go about the process of getting counseling for my husband, be it depression or personal counseling to help with our marriage. I think it's a mixture of both but he really needs to be able to talk with someone that has no judgement or opinion of him. I am trying my best to be a supportive wife and I have always been there for him through times like this, but now that I'm part of the equation it won't help. Does anyone have any ideas? where to start, do we have to pay, is there a state program available? does he or do we need to go and see our doctor 1st? Any assistance in the right direction would help right now.
Answers: We are having marriage issues right now, but I know he is battling demons from his past, we have been here before but now for the 1st time our marriage is on the line because of it. (this is what I believe anyway) How do I go about the process of getting counseling for my husband, be it depression or personal counseling to help with our marriage. I think it's a mixture of both but he really needs to be able to talk with someone that has no judgement or opinion of him. I am trying my best to be a supportive wife and I have always been there for him through times like this, but now that I'm part of the equation it won't help. Does anyone have any ideas? where to start, do we have to pay, is there a state program available? does he or do we need to go and see our doctor 1st? Any assistance in the right direction would help right now.
Support him in going to counseling/therapy.
It's not you, it's the hole inside him that he needs to figure out.
He could be unhappy with his job. Not feeling useful at home. Getting older and not seeing big accomplishments that he wished he could have done by his age. He could feel his life needs meaning and worth (and usually doing something for others can help with that).
Both of you can volunteer for a homeless shelter - seeing people with NOTHING might make him appreciate what he does have.
He might have low testosterone levels which can cause him to feel depressed, lazy, worthless (as a man), decreased sexual drive (or none at all). My husband went through this, and found out he had testosterone levels of a man 2.5 times his age. Blood test will show the levels and testosterone shots will get his levels back in shape in about 6 months.
Try to stay away from anti-depressants during this period. Instead, get more active and help others.
Good luck dear, keep positive and try not to blame yourself. It's NOT you. Keep your head up for him and support him fully through this rough time.
I would say go and see a dr first - they recommended me to a counsellor...
There are some circumstances and places where you can get this counselling free, but some where you will have to pay, i think it depends what its for aswell... the depression you might be able to get on the NHS but the marraige counselling you might have to pay for!
First stop - Drs!
Try calling 'United Way' or other charities like it. They will provide you with numbers to call to find help, probably free of charge. Good luck.