Depression, marriage, celexa

y marriage is suffering . My husband was diagnosed with depression 1 year ago and was put on Celexa. Prior to this medication he had anxiety, unhappiness, irritability, and lack of motivation, but I felt that we could talk and still had a connection. With Celexa he is definitely less anxious, but he is emotionally numb. Our sex life now is zero and he says he has no desire to be affectionate in anyway. He does say that he still loves me but does not feel it. I don't know what to think. A couple years back he had a really stressful job and was dealing with his mother's Alzheimers and subsequent death. I think he has always had a negative thinking pattern and depression runs in his family. I feel cut off because he has withdrawn from me and doesn't seem to care anymore. We are going to go to couples therapy. Will it help or is my marriage over? He did try to reduce his dosage of Celexa but began experiencing anxiety again so he went back to the original dose.

Welcome to the forum.

Low sex drive does drive us all nuts with depression. However, there are meds that lesson the side effect.

I am on cymbalta with other meds and don't seem to have quite as much problems now. Ask your husband to talk to the doctor about cymbalta and other meds that may work better. There are now generics out for cymbalta so the expense is less.

Keep posting, you are not alone. NO your marriage is NOT over. This is part of marriage. Struggles and hard times. We never see these things coming. However, this is what love is all about. It is not about sex, it is about the person we married, supporting them, learning how to communicate with them, educating ourselves about their illness and what we as a partner in life can do to help.

Also, educate yourself on what you can do for yourself at the same time. There are many wonderful self-help books out to support this issue.

Also a depression support group may be just the thing your husband needs to know HE is not alone in his struggle. You can find a close one on line and suggest it to him.

Peace and strength
Trina

I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing g with this. I'm in the same boat, but on the flip side of it. I'm on a med and my sexual appetite is zero. I love my husband but just can't seem to drum up the desire. Please don't think it's you! Unfortunately, these meds can really interfere with our bodies in ways we didn't expect.

I can tell you that I feel horrible about it and worry that my husband will find other outlets, so keep in mind that your husband may be feeling bad about his lack of desire too.
I think it's important to communicate in this situation , so that you can both have a better understanding of each others feelings.
I have told my husband many times that it's not his fault and he does understand. Patience is key for both of you.
He may get his spark back once he is feeling more himself.
He could also discuss other alternatives to the med he is on to help.
Please know that it's not you!!!! It's the meds and possibly not a full resolution of his past issues.
You have a lifetime to figure it out!!!
Be well, Lisa