Ask Dr. Michael Thase

Am I Causing My Husband's Depression?

Q: My husband suffers from depression and has been pulling away from me little by little. Now we are more like roommates than like husband and wife. He travels a lot for a living, so the growing apart has been very gradual. He's concluded that I am the root of his unhappiness and he refuses to get help because he truly believes that I am the problem. What can I do? 

— Karen, Colorado

A: 

I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband are growing apart. Relationship problems are seldom one-sided, but for the moment, you may need to seek help by yourself, at least to help clarify the issues and develop a plan of action. For starters, you might seek out a therapist or counselor who sees both couples and individuals. That may help you figure out some better ways to approach your husband about the issues you are facing as a couple.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Depression Center.

Last Updated: 07/15/2010

Dr. Michael Thase is director of the Depression Treatment and Research Program at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-specialist/am-i-causing-my-husbands-depression.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthLivingWithDepression_20130808