So...this seems to be my last resort. I love my wife and have no clue how things have gotten to this point. We have not been intimate since before christmas. She is on Welbutron for depression and has a terrible face picking compulsion. I have tried talking to her about everything, but it never gets us anywhere. She is notwilling to go to counseling...either on her own or with me.

We just got back from vacation with her family. When we were with them she actually seemed happy...the minute she came back home...same old story. Never happy. Just sits on the couch picking at her face.

I have tried everything. Doing more around the house...this made no difference. I just don't know what to do. I think if it wasn't for our son I would be suicidal at this point. I feel like I can't make her happy no matter what I do.

Somebody help...

-M

Welcome to marriagebuilders. It is a good place to be under the circumstances. How long have you been married? Has she talked to you about any problems in the marriage?

How long has she been taking Welbutron?

manb~

Hi and welcome to marriage builders, so sorry to hear about your troubles.

Your wife sounds very depressed, I've been there and can relate. It seems pretty imperative that you seek professional help for her. I too take Wellbutrin for depression. But it actually seems that your wife has more than just that...anxiety...OCD? Seeing a psychiatrist would be the best possible thing in my opinion. Wellbutrin, though wonderful in treating depression, does not help with anxiety. Many doctors may prescribe an SSRI(Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil etc.) in conjunction with the Wellbutrin. They may also treat her with a mood stabilizer, Neurontin, for example. At any rate, do everything you can to get her to a doctor. If that means that you must make the appointment and take her, then so be it. She will need as much support and understanding as you can offer. Find a good counselor too, as talk therapy can do wonders in combination with drug therapy.

I will say a prayer for you both.

Mrs. Wondering

Hello -

I too share your wife's compulsion somewhat. I have since childhood...although I never limited it to just my face. I have researched it some on the web and it is considered a OCD spectrum disorder. The name given it on the web - but not necessarily officially - is CPS - Chronic Skin Picking. I also suffered from depression and anxiety...still do somewhat due to the infidelity on my WW's part.

I concur with other's advice here - get her into therapy immediately, and maybe an SSRI as well. There is a way out of it, even if she doesn't see it right now...be strong for her during her period of weakness.

TM