My wife is refusing to take anti-depressants because her family don’t believe in medication
DEAR DEIDRE: MY wife is refusing to take medication for depression, due to her family’s beliefs.
I’ve been happily married to her for eight years and we have two lovely daughters. I’m 43 and she’s 42.
But she has struggled with depression and anxiety in recent years.
After I’d encouraged her, she went to see a doctor and was prescribed anti- depressants.
But she has now been refusing to take them because her family distrust all medication.
How can I help my wife in this difficult situation?
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DEIDRE SAYS: Talk to your wife about how worried you are for her, for your relationship and for your family.
It is hard to break through childhood values, but ask her to talk to your doctor again about her concerns and ask them to explain exactly how the medication works.
She may then be more open to taking the tablets.
If she still refuses, explore whether cognitive behavioural therapy could help with her anxiety.
See mind.org.uk.