How to help when it seems bleak

Depression and anxiety can be a bit of a beast at the best of times. @PraiseK

I guess what will be helpful to know is that there are SOOO many meds out there and just because ONE doesn't work that well, it doesn't mean ALL meds won't work well.

Also, from my experience, I feel it is important that the knows what to expect when he takes meds. That is, it may take time to kick in, it may not be right the first time etc. Certainly something to speak to the doctor about.

What other supports does he have in place?

Do you think a private mental health inpatient stay will help him get his meds right?

I think lots of things would be beneficial but because he feels he “never gets better” he is closed off to doing/ trying anything.
He sees a clinical psychologist infrequently and a psychiatrist even less.
he has tried peer support groups and hated that.

That's tough because from my own experience, I felt that 'nothing worked' because I wasn't ready to make any changes. However, once I made up in my mind I wanted to see changes, then the same type of therapy I had before actually made a difference @PraiseK

Also, meds helped me with my depression so that I was then ready to seek help. Without the meds, I don't think I would've been able to take in the therapy.

Does he WANT things to be different? Or has he moreso given up?

I really feel like he’s given up

@PraiseK , are you in the position for him an inpatient stay? e.g. private health cover.

With bipolar, it can just be a tweak of meds and he can feel so different. It sounds like a very hard place for both you and him.

That feeling of hopelessness makes everything feel bleak.

Sorry it took so long to respond to you. Feel free to tag me into your posts by typing "@" in front of my username. e.g. @tyme . That way, I will receive a notification when you post.