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My husband has been depressed all his life (he's now 45 years old). He has been in therapy now for 13 years and is on an anti-depressant and a mood enhancer. He sees a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, but he doesn't feel any better. I'm at my wits ends and don't know what to do to help him anymore. I would love to know if there are support groups in the New York City area where families can go to who have loved ones that are depressed.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 55 Already Tried: I have sent him to a therapist over 13 years ago and three years ago, sent him to his primary care doctor to put him on anti-depressants. Since they didn't work, I sent him to a psychiatrist who now has him on a mood enhancer (for about 8 months now). Nothing is working. He is still depressed and I can't take it anymore.
Hello,
I would like to help you with your question.
I can hear the frustration in your writing. It can understand how this on-going situation has weighted upon you.
Have you ever considered going to therapy with him so that you can be involved in the therapy? You have written that he suffers from depression, but do you have any understanding of what issues he is working on in therapy?
Some hospitals do sponsor support groups.
I can do an on-line search for you. But I'd also like to hear how you have been coping all these years and any other background information you can offer.
Thanks.
Yes, so many negative things have happened to him within the past 4 years that he has taken personally and his depression is getting worse. I just don't know how to help him anymore. I'm afraid one day he will commit suicide. He's my husband and I would do anything to help him be happy again.
I just did a quick online search and there are several support groups for depression. Would you like me to cut and paste them here?
PLEASE!!
Yes...I can understand your pain as his wife. It is never easy to watch a loved one in pain...no matter what kind of pain that is.
Okay...I will be right back with that information.
Here are 3 I found listed:
www.bpfamily.org/resources
www.mdsg.org/support-groups.php
www.newyorkcity.ny.networkofcare.org
When your husband visits the psychiatrist, do you go with?
Thank you. I will check these out. These are support groups for families?
Yes...each said they provide support groups for families.
I would also encourage you to check out the National Institute of Mental Health website. They will have some of the latest research on depression.
Is going to a therapy session with your husband something you would consider? It might be a way for him to feel additional support and it might help you better understand what his treatment is focusing on.
I can understand the pressure you feel. The National Institute of Mental Health website might also have some information for family members.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
No, hopefully this will help both me and him. Thanks you doctor Levang.
You are very welcome.
I wish you both the very best!
Experience: Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist