((((Aubrie and QS))))
I agree- it sounds like depression. Does any of this sound familiar? From Mayo Clinic:
•Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness
•Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
•Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex
•Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
•Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort
•Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
•Anxiety, agitation or restlessness — for example, excessive worrying, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
•Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
•Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility
•Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
•Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
•Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
I think if it is suspected that he has depression, then he should seek professional help.
There is no shame in this. There is stigma attached but even that has alleviated as more knowledge/awareness is gained in the field of mental health.
He IS worth seeking help. I cannot stress this enough. If he were diabetic or afflicted with some other disease then he would seek professional help. Why then should he neglect his mental health? He is SO worth it. Your two precious children are testaments to that. You are a testament to that, as is your relationship, which is growing stronger with time. But he's worth it ALL. ON. HIS. OWN. MERIT..
I agree, you can't force him to seek help. So, what to do? As a "fixer" I bet you feel so disjointed right now.
Have you asked QS what he wants? What healing looks like to him? What it would take for him to be interested in life again? What it means for you, for him, for your family to be a disengaged "ghost" in his own life? What does he need to happen in order for things to not JUST be normal again but for him to be engaged and interested again?
[This message edited by abbycadabby at 1:54 PM, March 18th (Tuesday)]