Depression in spouse, when to "give up" - 04/18/99 09:45 PM
My spouse (of 10 years, friend of 25 years) has experienced moderate to severe depression most of his life. Although he is currently being treated biochemically, and has been for years, he is only now finally "talking" of getting treatment that might include support groups, psychotherapy and social skill building. He talks about it but doesn't seem able to do it...<BR> He remains completely "obsessed" by events of his past, claiming that they "crowd his consciousness" making him incapable of contributing to family life (we have 3 children) or his marriage. We have been separated for 6 months in an effort to give him the time and "peace" to work on his issues (no high drama here, just run-of-the mill life stresses he has to come to terms with). <BR> During our separation he had an affair (with his ex-wife, who ended it after only 2 months), has acted and spoken cruelly and disrespectfully towards me with our friends, his family and in front of our children. <BR> I am growing weary. Although I am completely committed to my marriage, I am participating in a marriage of one. I've presented him with oodles of "information" and suggestions both to treat his depression and to encourage his willful participation in "life", our lives... He remains uncommitted and forever feeling sorry for himself.<BR> When is enough, enough?