Howdy,
(this will be long)
I'm so very sorry that your hubby's S.W. has not responded. That's very irresponsible in my opinion, and, they should report that to the CF team as this IS a very imperative part of the S.W's job on a CF team.
It's critical that he receives the help when he asks for it - one main reason is that with depression we tend to lock it up or hide it. Most of the time we just don't want to deal with it (whatever that may mean) and so when we are openly asking for help, that is the BEST time to receive treatment. Like a drug addict, the help isn't beneficial until they want it and ask for it.
I'm 41 (and a half) and have been dealing with "clinical" depression since the age of about 17. (Clinical meaning, suicidal).
Throughout the years I've tried counseling with S.W.'s, I thought all of them were useless. Although it wasn't combined with the use of a/d's either. However, looking back now, I understand why I thought they were useless - I felt all they wanted me to do was "talk about it" instead of helping me find the root cause.
Only until about 7 years ago did I find someone that helped - they helped me get real with my emotions, honest with myself. Once I understood these things, I was able to address the issues as they came along instead of bottling it up. These GOOD counselors are hard to find. Mine was actually through my church, he had schooling in counseling, but held no degree - yet he was the one that helped.
At one point, when I was working and on an HMO (and not connected with any CF center at the time), it specifically covered "mental health" and covered something like 10 sessions per year (?) If you look on the back of your HMO card it might have a "mental health" telephone number, mine did. If not, call them and ask. I think most insurance companies understand that mental health is as important as physical health, and therefore can offer services.
As for the a/d's - I agree that help is two fold - therapy and drugs (those without serious depression can skip the drugs). Therapy helped me a lot, however, I still had this chemical imbalance that needed to be addressed. At this point I was with a CF center. I tried several a/d's and they helped some, but none dealt with the suicidal thoughts. I was in for a tune- up and a pyche was sent in - I explained none of the drugs were helping, and he said "but you're on the best one"
After talking with a few people, I came to understand that there are different a/d's for a reason. Everybody's body is different, and everyone's depression isn't necessarily the same. What works for one, may not work for another.
Someone told me that Prozac was the best for the issues I was having, and I had to PUSH them to let me try it. And you know what? It's been the magic pill. I have been free of those thoughts since I've been on it (4 years).
The moral of the story - help him to keep working at it. Don't give up hope. There is treatment out there, you just have to find the right combo (therapists, and a drug, if needed). I had tried many counselors over those 20 years, and many a/d's. Finally, my mind is at ease.
I'm an open book on the subject. I hate to see people suffer with this - I've dealt with too much crap to be ashamed of my experiences, so I gladly share hoping others can bypass wasted time and get better NOW. Bad mental health can prevent us from taking care of ourselves physically.
I wish you both the best on this journey and hope your help comes sooner rather than later.
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Edit to say: Yes, my CF team did refer for counsel. In fact, they would rather our pyche meds be managed by that department, and therefore we are required to see them (at least initially) if on a/d's. And, it's paid for by our state funded insurance (California) that covers everything CF related.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me...either here on the forum or in IM.
