My Support Forums - View Single Post - Supporting my partner with depression: depression versus irresponsibility

lost_inthecrowd · Mar 10, 2010, 11:18 PM

I don't know if I can offer any advice, but I can say that I am in a similar situation as your partner is in. I kind of grapple with the depression vs. irresponsibility question myself. The most pressing feeling I get is: shame, guilt and a paralyzing fear. When I quit my job, I didn't have the guts to tell my boss or family. I pretended to go to work until the boss phoned home asking about my whereabouts and the jig was up.

The pressure to get another job is intense but I have nowhere near the confidence to do it again--the emotional and mental support is not there. Perhaps your partner feels this way? Keeping a job when you feel dead inside is nearly impossible. He/She needs a lot of support and a good nudge in the right direction. Definitely keep the line of communication open and even the most menial PT job is a good job if he/she can do it. Interested in how your situation turns out, please keep us posted.