Hello!

How do I speak to my husband about his mental health? I’m after advice on how to broach mental health issues with my husband. He works long hours and is often tired but has erratic sleep patterns, sometimes going to bed without dinner by choice. He’s also very moody in cycles and hard to live with and I worry he’s showing signs of depression. Any advice on how to talk to him about it or self-diagnose would be great. Thanks.

Posted by anon, 03/09/13

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  • Talk to him when neither of you are in a rush to do something or go somewhere. Preferably when you can be home alone, so there aren’t “little ears” listening. Rather than say “What’s your problem?” which could be seen as a criticism, let him know that you’re worried that he’s running himself into the ground, and you want to know if there’s anything you can do to help.


  • there are some self diagnosis tests online, get him to take one and see for himself, tell him to be honest and to do them when alone.


  • Ask him ” R U OK?”

    Maybe also leave some relevant brochures in the kitchen or other places where he will see them.


  • I like the letter idea


  • I would just ask him if he is feeling ok, while in bed one night. tell him your fears


  • Make sure he always knows you care and aren’t complaining about his behaviour, otherwise he can go on the defensive and you won’t get anywhere. Are there mates that he related well with? Sometimes they take things easier if it comes from a mate.


  • Instead of speaking to him, I would write him a letter. This saves confrontation and any arguments. He will be able to read the letter when he has time.


  • there are some good comments here


  • maybe talk to the doctors about it


  • i think he needs 2 go to the drs


  • You could leave a pamphlet in the mail box.


  • Do you and your husband share the same GP? If so maybe you could speak to the GP first about your concerns and then make an appointment for your husband for just a yearly check up etc and the GP can help broach the subject


  • Now that is a very tough one. I can’t give any advice 🙁


  • difficult one, on a different tack, can you get him to take Blackmore’s Executive B stress tablets, Valerian 2000 to help him sleep better. Just say you are concerned he’s working too hard and maybe these might help. Then you may be able to communicate with him when he is less stressed.


  • Did you manage to talk to him?


  • It is hard but I think a list of the symptoms might help make it clear to him that he should perhaps at least talk to a doctor


  • It’s a tough one, that I faced last year. In our case, he wouldn’t listen to me, had a breakdown and them was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.


  • There are lists which help to self diagnose (they gave me one when i had my bub)


  • How are things going with him now. Did you find a way to talk to him?


  • You could call one of the help lines and discuss the problem. I think Beyond Blue has some good information on their website and could most likely be a good starting point for how to start a discussion.


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