The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My recovering alcoholic husband is very down in the dumps today. I am wondering if he is taking his medication. Haven't asked because I am afraid that he might react in an angry way. Either he is taking it and it isn't really helping him or he isn't taking it. I can't make him take the medicine. He is a grown adult. So, how do I make the best of my day for me and for my two children? I don't want to sit around in my husband's cloud of depression. So, I guess I will take the kids out of the house to go do something fun. Misery does seem to love company and I am sorry that my hubby is feeling so down. However, I don't want to be miserable, too! It is a beautiful day outside and I want to enjoy it. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.
It's his responsibility to take his own tablets - you cannot force them down him. You may be able to ask him how he is feeling, are the meds helping - and prompt him that way. But take care of you and the kids - especially if he likely to get angry. Remember the three Cs - You didn't cause it, you cannot control it and you cannot cure it.
Good for you for finding a solution. Taking the kids out for a nice day is a great idea. Sometimes letting them stew in their own misery is just what they need. If you confront him, he may get angry, then can blame his foul mood on you and do nothing about it. That would be enabling/interfering. Letting him learn how to get help when he needs it is a respectful thin to do for him. And it teaches your kids that you are not responsible for making someone else feel better. A really good lesson for kids from A homes.
Have a great day and don't let his icky mood ruin it for you when you get home, either. I try to just leave my A in his funk and let him work it out, without being funky back to him.
In recovery,
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
Just wanted to say thanks for reading my post and responding. I took the kids out and while we were in transit, my son fell asleep. It was a good thing because he really needed a nap and I really needed the peace and quiet. When we returned home later in the evening, hubby was in a much better mood after taking care of himself (AA meeting, etc.).
