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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  • That’s a hard one. I guess if you can explain to him what those things are doing to you and making you feel. If he doesn’t see it or understand what you are saying it will be hard for him to be treated


  • Maybe get him to look at the Beyond Blue or Black Dog Institute sites and answer their questionnaires? If he can see that he’s showing a lot of the signs he may be more willing to see his doctor. My husband was diagnosed about 6 months ago and that’s how I got him to see there was an issue. He’s much better now, good luck 🙂


  • Perhaps talk to your family doctor on how to approach this. Even organise a joint appointment after?


  • I work for mental health and I know if you call your local integrated mental health community team and ask to speak to the duty intake office they will give you very good sound advise. You don’t need a referral for this. In Qld every hospital (Qld health ) has this service.

    Also the other thing is maybe talk to your family gp as he know your hubby and it may be something he can bring up with him without involvement from you.

    Also remember to look after yourself and kids if you have them.

    Good luck


  • That’s hard. All I can suggest is sit down and have a calm, rational discussion. Perhaps keep some notes/observations for a few weeks before hand so you can have you points ready to hand.


  • Perhaps borrow a couple books from the library or download a couple. I would mention how much you love him & you’re concerned, perhaps over a lovely meal. Maybe he has a male friend he feels comfortable with or the GP.


  • Sit down and talk with him, keep the conversation going. You could even ask a doctor about it


  • Do you think it’s the stress of his job? Perhaps relaxing with friends, invite a few people over. Perhaps some of his ‘bloke’ mates could suss things out for you. Good luck.


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