My husband hasn’t been himself since our son was beaten up

DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my son was badly beaten up last year, my husband has suffered a nervous breakdown.

He’s fallen apart and I’m terrified I’m going to lose him. But he refuses to talk to anyone.

I’m 48 and my husband is 50. Our son is 19.

Our boy was jumped by two men outside a pub and beaten to within an inch of his life.

Although he is now on the mend, my husband doesn’t seem to be able to move on.

He isn’t eating properly, drinks too much and has lost his sense of purpose.

He’s off work on long-term sick leave and just lies on the sofa.

I’ve told him we should be happy our son is OK.

I don’t know how to help him. I can’t carry on like this.

DEIDRE SAYS: Perhaps your husband feels guilty that he wasn’t able to protect his son, or can’t cope with the knowledge he nearly lost him.

He now sounds deeply depressed and needs professional support.
Keep trying to encourage him to get help.

You may find it helpful to contact Rethink Mental Illness for free advice – rethink.org, 0808 801 0525.