For the last several weeks, my husband starts crying for no obvious reason. He can't seem to stop. He's on anti-depressants and his MD won't increase the dosage. I ask him if I've said or done something, and he shakes his head no. These jags can last up to a half-hour, and are happening more and more frequently, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week.
He does seem to go into a funk when I have to give him a gentle nudge about something harmful, i.e. "please don't give the dog chocolate," but he does anyway, and I have to clean up the carpet (!!), then he says, "I can't do anything right. I wish I were dead." (most recent example.)
It would be good if you could get to a Neurologist at a teaching hospital for a complete overview of husband's health. Look for one attached to a University Medical School. The doctors are cutting edge, on top of new developments like Ketamine and magnetic stimulation of the brain for depression. He might have brain imaging done, to check for a Stroke or brain tumor. Medicare pays for most of these medical services.
If you live a distance, can you plan a week's visit a city with a teaching hospital? People often go to Phoenix, Ariz. or Jacksonville, Florida to see specialty doctors at Mayo Clinic. There are good teaching hospitals in Seattle, and in California--UCal. San Francisco, Stanford Univ. Hospital and many more. Do you feel able to undertake a a web search?
they can work with balancing meds to help
with this.
Dad got a low dose of abilify added to his
zoloft --- (abilify does have black box warnings)
What a miraculous change
The neurologist wanted to removed the abilify
for years. The one time we removed it, we started
it back up in 2 months. He never suggested removing
it again. He saw the difference in quality of life.
When anger started a few years later a low dose
of depakote (anti seizure) balanced things out.
Aunt Kay with Alzheimers after a few years had
zyprexa an antipsychotic added to her medications.
Again what an improvement in quality of life.
She became happier, pleasanter, more contented.
All medications come with warnings, a good doctor will
work with you to find medications with least side
effects that can help with a good quality of life.
The level of distress he is experiencing is not acceptable,
if there is a medication or treatment that may help him.
Also what comforts him?
A weighted blanket? A scent or fragrance?
Music? A favorite hobby, food, activity?
Any thing to distract and refocus him may help
in the meantime.
We used kids coloring books too