Hi there,
I really like this group and I hope we can kep it going, because my husband also suffers from depression. In fact, since the 80's he has had 7 episodes that required hospitilazation for 6 of them. The thing that really gets me is how the insurance handles the needs that you want. Because I work and he is on my insurance, you would think that we would have access to services that we need. But it seems like private insurance that I have does not work. And to talk to the insurance company on the phone, mental health issues are not something they want to talk about. I can go on and on about that.

I can relate to what Sad Spouse said about staying married. When he was really sick last year, he said some very mean things about us & the marriage - and i am a big stressor... But at the time I thought it was the illness talking, but now that he is doing better, I asked him about it at one of our therapy meetings, and he dosen't remember it. I guess I am afraid that if I pry too much, it will start a downward spiral again.

So I think about alternatives also, but at the same time I don't want to, because like you said, it is an illness and he didn't choose it. Plus I have very strong feelings about the marriage vows, but I questioned my pastorabout it & asked how much am I supposed to take? I do have a super support group of friends, and family. The thing that's hard for me is that I'm not a talky person, so now more than ever, I have to reach out to them - and for me, that's the hard part. But I know they would be there ...all I have to do is ask them...

This is getting long, but I really would like to hear from you out there. Take care of yourself.