I Battle Depression On My Own

It's been a very hard couple days for me. My wife has really struggled in not doing what she used to be able to do and she cries a lot more these days. All I can do is hold her and try to comfort her. It gets harder every day for me to try and cheer her up when I am struggling to stay positive on my own. I have reached out to a few friends for help but they are too busy and don't have time. My family hasn't wanted to talk with me for years. I can't get support from my wife since she has a terminal disease and her family is struggling enough. I've always been there for everyone in my life through the years. I didn't think it was too much to ask to have someone to help me through this, but it seems it is too much to ask.

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SethGreene531 · M

My deepest respect for your resilience and strength, in the face of this savage illness.

Have you thought about getting connected with your local ALS chapter? They can be invaluable networks of support and comradery, for both patient and family caregiver. While facilitating access to quality of life programs/therapies. There is a strong network of expertise and access to continued learning, of the latest advancement.

I realize you are in Canada, but these folks are wonderful to talk to and can possibly connect you to similar such centers in your country.

Forgive me if I'm being redundant, more than likely you're well familar with the info below.

In our heart felt prayers tonight, you and your dear wife 🙏

The ALS Association Greater Sacramento Chapter:

2717 Cottage Way - Suite 17 - Sacramento, CA 95825

(916) 979-9265

COPY PASTE TO ADDRESS BAR

http://websac.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SAC_homepage

CANADA:

NOT SURE WHAT PROVINCE YOU'RE IN, BUT I SELECTED THE FIRST IN ITS LIST:

https://www.als.ca/support-services/inside-of-ontario/als-clinics/

OTHERWISE:

https://www.als.ca/support-services/other-provinces/

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@SethGreene531 Thank you for your thoughts. My wife had had amazing support through ALS Canada. They have helped with supplying equipment and helped arrange for in home support. We have an amazing medical support team with a doctor that comes to our house every month and nurses available 24/7 for anything. Volunteer visitors along with personal support workers also come daily. With me being home all the time, my wife had all the support she could wish for. We are fortunate that there has been no charge for most things over the past few years, has made things a lot easier for us.

SethGreene531 · M

@gmatthewb What an incredible blessing they have been, I'm so relieved to hear this. Such generosity.
Their many shoulders to lift your burden.

In the absence of close family to turn to, it is likely you have also drawn strength from ALS Canada meetings, held for families of its patients. Meeting, bonding, over shared experience.
And remember, there are good souls here too.
Reach out to us anytime.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@SethGreene531 My wife's mother visits every other week and she has friends who come by as well. Her relatives that live further away have visited a number of times as well. She doesn't want others to see her how she is now though. So a lot of those visits have stopped. They will come to be with her when she goes to the hospital to end her life. She wants them there for that.

SethGreene531 · M

@gmatthewb Sounds like a strong and loyal support system, and you feel good to see the joy of your life honored in this way.

If I understood correctly, she has elected for assisted suicide when that time finally comes.
Most understandable. She has my deepest respect.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@SethGreene531 She has. It is offered here for anyone with a terminal illness. She will be donating her brain and spine for ALS research as well. She is proud of that.

SethGreene531 · M

@gmatthewb A most valuable contribution in studying the disease process first hand.
And in that act, is a certain kind of victory.
She should be very proud.

I hope you find a similar support system, on to which you might lean and unload your weariness and grief.
Although I understand the difficulty in asking this of any friend or stranger.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@SethGreene531 I'll fix myself after all this is over.

SethGreene531 · M

@gmatthewb I hear that.

Pleasure to speak with you this evening, thank you for sharing your journey.

Reach out to us anytime here.