Hi ladies, my partner is suffering depression at the moment and although he talks about getting help he never finds the motivation to follow through. I am struggling as i work full time and have 3 kids. While im at work my partner lounges around on the couch or sleeping while my kids are let to do as they please. I have offered to quit my job as i am exhausted coming home to my house looking like a tornado has gone through it and sometimes the kids havent even had lunch/tea depending what time it is. He says he knows he needs to help me more but his actions say differently. I try to be supportive that he is depressed but i dont know how long i can keep going like this. How do i cope with a partner that is so depressed and try and maintain looking after the kids, house and work? Any advice would be so much appreciated
Coping with depressed partner
Coping with depressed partner
Posted in:
Relationships & Marriage, Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
1 Replies
Will he go to the doctors with you? If he isn't seeking help/treatment it is ok to be very firm. Yes having depression sucks, but enabling him to do nothing isn't ok. And allowing him to drag you and the kids down isn't ok.
If the kids are not being fed at regular times then that is child neglect. And then it's not ok for him to be left with the kids. The kids would be better off in childcare if he isn't supervising them and isn't meeting there needs. They will be far better stimulated in childcare and also won't be making a mess of the house.
I think honestly you should keep working. I don't think living off Newstart is a good option as the chances of qualifying for a carer payment or disability is pretty much zero, as they've really tightened the rules. Plus if he won't go to the doctors for help, you won't be able to get the forms filled out!
I would set a date. He goes gets treatment by a set date and if he doesn't get it then he needs to find somewhere else to live.