He's Depressed and on Zoloft - How do I Cope?

[ADP1963]

My husband just started taking Zoloft for his depression, which has been treating with Lorazepam at night for 4 years.  He refuses to talk to a counselor, and acts as though it's my fault that he's unhappy.  I also know that I can not talk to him about how I am feeling because it will only make him feel worse... so what do I do?

Thank you,
ADP1963

[ADP1963]

I had been him asking to talk to his doctor about the Lorazepam since he had been on it 6 months.  Right now he's still on the Lorazepam at night, plus the Zoloft in the mornings.  His mood is just awful, and it's having a negative affect on me.

He just started on the Zoloft on Thursday and right now it seems to be making things worse (it could also just be his mental state?).  This is why I wanted him to see a mental health professional instead of his medical doctor (who has kept him on the Lorazepam for so long).

Thank you for the information.
ADP1963

[ADP1963]

Thank you for the information.  

ADP1963

[lkw]

Hi there, my husband is on Zoloft too. He took it about a year ago and it did help -- give it a few weeks. But, that does seem weird your husband was on the other med for so long -- I have been on that and it WILL bring you down further.

Seems strange his MD wouldn't recommend therapy? I feel bad that you have to deal with this and he isn't talking to anyone else.

If it makes you feel any better, Zoloft should help. It would help you and him tremendously if you could get him to a psych though. MD's, as the other post says, really don't have the know how of combining psych drugs.

My husband is in therapy for coke abuse and is on the Zoloft again, and it helps having a neutral third party.

And believe me, I  know the feeling when they blame you. I heard the whole "I resent you". It hurts, but you just have to chalk it up to the sickness. Just hang in there. :) Sending positive thoughts your way.

Best,
Lexie

[umya]

hopefully, the zoloft will lift his mood enough so that he may be able to accept the prospect of psychotherapy.  

[eronski]

He has to commit to taking the Zoloft for at least a month and yes things can get worse initially.  For the first two weeks on Zoloft I felt quite bad - I expected it so kept going.  The side effects will absolutely effect his mood, give him a break - he's going through some changes starting this med.  I have been on it for 6 weeks and feel so much better, had trouble sleeping for the first month or so but that too is much better.

Allot of men feel that way about therapy, maybe you could get him a couple books so he can do research in his own home.  I have never seen a therapist, I wouldn't mind but just haven't feel the need to talk to anyone plus it's very expensive.  What he's going through is so very painful try to be kind and gentle.  Good Luck, Erin

[starr28]

Hi,

I took zoloft in the past and it worked great for me.  It did take several weeks
for it to work though so just hang in there.  I dont know how I would have done
if my husband wasnt as supportive as he is and believe me, I am no fun to live
with during a depressive episode!

best wishes,
starr28