Hi Jessica,

It sounds like a very difficult situation, but not one that I can help you with because your questions are far too general - except to make one suggestion: read either "How You Can Survive When They're Depressed" and/or "Depression Fallout." Both books are written not for the person who has depression, but for the person who loves and/or lives with the depressed person and have coping suggestions and other information relevant to your problem, including how to encourage him to see a doctor. If you click on Books on the web site you'll find descriptions of them. They are full of information relevant to your problem.

And if you haven't already done so, I also suggest you read as many of the Message Board posts as time permits, as well as Ask Anne and the Archives.

Onward and upward,
Anne