Patrice
How did you react to Gene's
depression?
At first, when he was having a hard time I didn't really know how to
support him. So, it was good that he got outside help. In the beginning, he
never told me about his suicidal feelings until he started feeling better.
He showed his depression by not being attentive, listening to his music, being
very self-absorbed. When it was just the two of us, I could just let him do
what he needed to do. We had very busy jobs and had a lot of separate time.
We weren't really together, we coexisted. Now when I think back, it bothers
me. Once we adopted Patrick, we talked a lot more, and we came together as
a family.
What issues come up for you?
Before I really understood his condition, we had a lot difficulty. I remember
one time, he had me go with him to the psychiatrist. But, I felt attacked.
We were going through so many problems with infertility that I couldn't
deal with his depression. We went through five or six years of infertility
issues in which I had six miscarriages.
Now that we have adopted Patrick, things are a lot better. But if Gene's
medication isn't working, he has a hard time getting past it. And if Gene
isn't up to a household task, he often throws it on me, and I have to
step back in.
What advice do you have?
It's a challenge and a struggle to deal with someone depressed, but there
are so many resources and medications available. This happens to many people
to different degrees. It's manageable. No one should have to suffer and
live without treatment.
