*hugs @Shaz51 * unfortunate timing for service shutdowns over the break, and that the MH supports did not prioritise responding to him during his extra-low time. 😢 Is that why he cancelled the MH appointments?
Hoping that the doctors may have put him on a cancellation list for a sooner appointment is one comes available? (Given they cancelled today. That must feel very disappointing when you both need support and guidance during his decline).
I have often felt mixed emotions when supporting a family or friend with their MH when they themselves will not engage with MH supports or doctors (or acknowledge the decline). Want so much to help them, but know that if they are not open to it then ultimately there is little that can be done.
Is Mr S willing to discuss (and challenge!!) his negative thoughts with you?
"Just" MDD. I'm with @Till23 there - very much not a useful thing to say to a patient or their family/carers!! Can be very damaging to the relationship to be dismissed like that.
MDD is my diagnosis, and I can relate to it being dismissed by services as less-important because I don't have BPD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia or PTSD (or at least not diagnosed ptsd, that is debatable lol). It doesn't seem to matter that my condition has been potentially life-threatening multiple times per year for 20 years. In fact, that probably goes against me - because I have never attended hospital for it so I am seen as "coping" :face_with_rolling_eyes:. When I hear people dismiss my situation because of it, it feeds my despair and becomes even more risk.
I am say this only to express that I know how damaging and discouraging it can be to hear "just MDD". I am so sorry that this was said at any time, and most especially when he is at his worst. 😭.
I didn't realise you were still waiting for the kidney buddy. I thought you had been assigned one. Sorry about that! I hope that comes through soon.
But yes, we are always here for you - with or without a kidney buddy in addition. 🤗
With regard to the possible ASD, is there specific questions you would like to ask to learn more about it? And how it interacts with depression?
I consider your role with Mr Shaz as being a carer, as well of course as being a loving wife/partner. There are so many informal carers in Aus which often are not captured in statistical reports. Recognition of this is improving, and I hope you are able to access support services as a carer even if he does not identify you as a carer for him. I can imagine it could be all sorts of emotions attached to the concept of having someone "be your carer" that might be hard to swallow.
*big hugs to you @Shaz51 *
