Help with hubby's depression

[sickandtired]

My hubby suffers severe depression. Currently not on any medication but is now refusing to eat or drink. How long can he carry on like this before something bad happens? I've tried pleading, crying and begging but he refuses to budge. So how long can he last without food and drink and what will happen to him?

[bednobs]

you can last for months without food, days without drink

[merciasounds]

He needs to see a doctor NOW - if he won't go, call one in. Food isn't so urgent, but refusing liquids could damage him.

[Nosha123]

can you not call out his GP or have him sectioned for his own safety?

[lala1984]

Hi sickandtired

My friend is having the same problems although not as severe as your husband at least she still eats and drinks, but has self harm issues and suicidal thoughts.

He needs to see his GP an maybe go with him for support. It's not good stopping all food and drink I don't know what would happen but we need these things to survive.
He needs help ASAP so get to doctors QUICKLY

[sickandtired]

Dont wanna go into the ins and outs but he lost his job and weve lost a baby recently

[sickandtired]

he says he CAN go without drinking he'll keep rinsing his mouth out with water. Obviously that isnt gonna help

[merciasounds]

Doctor - ASAP - if he askes you why - tell him the truth, it's just as much for you as it is him, you can't bear it any longer either, you need help and support - did you have any berevement councelling? And a lost job on top of all that may have him feeling the whole world is against him - I wish you peace and a swift solution to your problem.

[sickandtired]

Thanks merciasounds - but he is refusing to go doctor so I will keep on at him an call one out. he says whenever he feels thirsty he's just going to rinse his mouth out but take no fluids in.

How long can he last and what will happen?

[andy-hughes]

Eventually he will collapse with dehydration.

Under the cirdcumstances you decribe, his GP may section him under the Mental Health Act, under whose auspices he can be hospitalised and force-fed - while they assess his condition and get him some treatment.

Keep trying, but if he does collapse, call 999 and tell tjhe ambulance crew and the hospital exactly what is going on.

[sickandtired]

Thanks Andy how long would it take to get to that stage? I'm sorry for all the questions guys but as you can probably tell i'm under a lot of stress as well and need to know all i can

[LoftyLottie]

Call the doctor as soon as possible and explain the situation. They will have to take some sort of action. Don't tell your husband, it will stress him out more. This is a desparate situation. He needs help from a specialist urgently.

[LoftyLottie]

Absolutely agree with Headwreck. It is you that needs to take the action, he is not in a fit mental state. You can't wait until he collapses to ask for help!!

[Ankou]

i really don't understand why you keep asking how long he will last.

you need to act now, not wait.

[sickandtired]

redhelen it all started about 5/6 months ago but today he just casually announced he's giving up food and drink

[sickandtired]

Ankou I'm asking cos if he REFUSES help I know he wont go doctors I'm calling one out now but if he doesnt want to do something he wont

[DTCwordfan]

Call the Doc - House call it sounds like and then the Doc can take it from there as to the depression as well.

I believe sectioning can only take place off the premises - Nosha but there are legal ways of getting out of the house....the Docs know the drill.