[freedom101]

I'm a support group rookie so thanks in advance for helping me along through this process. I feel like there isn't anyone to talk to and those I do talk to (about DH's depression) aren't very helpful, just judgmental. I stumbled onto the idea (through prayer) that there might be a support group out there for people like me and lo and behold, there is! Thank you again, to whoever keeps this going. It is so appreciated!!!

Anyway, I'm not even sure where to start. I feel angry. I feel betrayed. I feel resentful. I feel guilty for feeling this way. I have five children (and one on the way) that don't understand their father's behavior and I'm not sure what to say to them. I'm not sure how to help them. I want them to grow up feeling empowered not feeling like they're the victim and I don't know how to help them obtain these tools. I am not sure how to tell my friends that the occasional, "I won't" or "I can't" attitude they have about issues in their own lives is hard for me to hear because I hear it all the time from DH. I'm not even sure I need to tell them, I just know it isn't good for me to hear it. I'm learning how to become strong emotionally, but that doesn't mean I am strong yet.

Anyway, like I said, I just needed to talk and this was just a place to start. I've never been able to open up like this before.

[katheryn]

welcome to pc, there are a lot of ppl here that might be able to help by offering advice or listning to you, i also am a partner to someone with depression but i also suffer with depression, we are lucky because we both have accounts here after explaing to doc john why we needed two accounts

i understand about having to listen to your friends problems when you have hubby moaning at you
i allways was the one ppl kept comming to for there problems but they werent willing to listen to mine

again welcome

[chaotic13]

Freedom
I would strongly recommend Anne Sheffield's Book entitled Depression Fallout. It is specifically written for the family members of Depression sufferers. I would also highly recommend her message board as well. This is where I started back in April and the site helped me a lot. The people communicating there were very helpful and occasionally Anne will share her insights too. I've since moved on to this site because as my situation evolve as other things entered the mix.

http://www.depressionfallout.com/

[freedom101]

I'm totally a self help reader so this suggestion is right up my alley. Thank you so much.

[old_one]

I'm new here too. I understand your frustration and just needing someone to listen. Hopefully we can both find the support we need here and maybe help some others as well.

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((( freedom101 )))))))))))))))

[Sultrysorrow]

It's understandable for you to have feelings such as you've been having. After all you are human. I feel the worst thing you can do to your children is to let them see your emotions. As a parental figure they'll look up to you for guidance and you cannot let them know that you're giving in to your emotions.
If you do, then they'll do the same thing even more so when *&!% hit's the fan for them, making them incapable of handling stress or tragedy.