I like your husband dealt with bouts of depression until I was 9 years sober.
NOT me, I wasn't going to take anti depressants, those were for sissy's, those
folks in the meetings would say I was 'crazy', etc
Well, at 9 years sober I went from 'crazy' to 'TOTALLY INSANE'. At least that is the way
I felt. I knew, just knew that 'they' (whomever 'they' was) were going to lock
me up in a padded cell, in a straight jacket and throw away the key.
However, I did start asking at the different meetings I attended if anyone had
had a 'good' experience with a Psych Dr and what was the Dr's name.
I heard the same name several times from different folks at different meetings
and decided to call her. I called during my lunchtime at work and lo and be-
hold she answered the phone herself as her secretary was gone for lunch.
As I 'blubbered' my way through what was happening and I would like to
make an appointment, she told me that she had had a cancellation for that
day and I should come right over. WOW.
Well she was quite the psych Dr. First put me into the hospital to get a full
and complete physical to see if there was something in my body causing my
problems, like a chemical inbalance. I lost track of all the tests, lol
I personally was Bipolar and apparently had been most of my life, and started
using alcohol to self medicate many years before I found recovery. So, yep she
had to do some 'trial and error' with medications (every person
is different on what will work for that person) which took several years, but
I have to say that even during the 'trial and error' days I felt better than I had
ever felt in sobriety before then.
Your AH will come to the conclusion to see a Psych Dr on his own. Unfort-
unately it may take a few years.
I honestly do not know if it would be enabling to suggest he see a psych Dr as
only the Dr will know if he needs medication and what type, or if there are
some writing or other exercises that would help him. That way he might not be
so 'set against' going if he even minutely believes that he may not have to go on
Anti depressants.
Are you attending Alanon and/or seeing a therapist for you?? I hope you are
continuing to 'live' your life as you would like! I know that for many alco0
holics the first few years into recovery can be as bad and sometimes worse
than when one was out there drinking and when they do get relief, myself
included, it is like "well why didn't I do that sooner?" lol we are a stubborn
lot for sure!
Remember, we are walking with you in spirit.
Love and hugs,