Posted by Ruth on March 1, 2000, at 18:21:35
In reply to how to help?, posted by Diane on February 23, 2000, at 15:34:59
You're in a very difficult situation. Clearly you need for him to try something else to address his treatment resistant depression. I would just caution that he has to accept responsibility for the decision so you don't end up blamed if he tries it and it doesn't work, or if he problems with residual memory loss. I agree with Noa, that you can help him think through pros and cons and cionsider alternatives. He also needs to know if your relationship is contingent upon his depression getting better.
> My fiance has been severely depressed for a long time
> (years and years) and has not respondend to meds. He
> has tried more than I can list here, but is currently
> taking (sorry I don't know all the doses): Prozac
> (80 mil), Effexor, Ritalin, Respiridone (small dose),
> and Synthroid (though his thyroid tests fine). The
> pdoc is now recommending ECT. She does not see any point
> in continuing to mess with the meds. He is very reluctant,
> mostly because he would have to tell his work about the
> problems (though he is on the verge of loosing his job, so
> I doubt they would be too surprised), take a leave, and because of the
> memory loss potential. My question to the group is:
> shall I push him to do this or let him alone to make
> his own decision? He is very, very, very indecisive and
> will probably not do anything if I don't push. I do know
> him well enough to feel that if I push, he'll do what
> I ask (mostly because he doesn't trust his own judgement)
> I feel very hesitant to interfere in this way, but I
> also hate to see him suffering so much.
> Thanks for any advice.
poster:Ruth
thread:23367
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/25249.html