Is My Husband Struggling with Mental Health Issues? - Psychiatry

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I think my husband might have a mental health issue?


My husband often talks to himself while working at the machine, almost every day.
His colleagues find it quite strange.
When I asked him why he does this, he only mentioned that he silently repeats things when he is trying to remember them, and I can overlook that! He talks to himself no matter what he is doing! Additionally, he cannot focus on one thing at a time! He needs to have the TV on while using the computer and his phone is absolutely essential! He scrolls through his phone while driving, eating, and even when being lectured, he continues to scroll without paying attention! Furthermore, he seems to have some issues with emotional regulation; if things don't go his way, he becomes hysterical and starts yelling, completely losing his rationality.
He doesn't listen to anyone until he has vented enough.
When I ask him to stop yelling and to calm down, he insists that he wasn't doing that just moments ago! Recently, this has become more severe; he cannot control his emotions and expresses his displeasure immediately! Last time, he even told me he has autism and that being with me has made it worse over time! However, I didn't know autism could manifest in such an aggressive and talkative manner.
In terms of daily life, he doesn't sleep well and has poor sleep quality; no matter how late he goes to bed, he wakes up very early...
He also has very poor table manners and doesn't listen when eating; no matter who scolds him, he responds angrily and shows a lack of respect towards his own parents! He even lies.
These behaviors started occurring after we got engaged and continued after we got married.
Is this due to stress, or does he have underlying mental health issues? I also heard from his mother that he had a bad temper in the past.
He never acted this way in front of me before we got married...

Liu Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/18

Dr. Huang Weiqin reply Psychiatry


Hello: Based on your description, it is likely that your husband is experiencing symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
It is recommended that family members encourage him to visit a nearby psychiatric clinic for an evaluation and referral for appropriate treatment from a psychiatrist.
I hope this information is helpful.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2017/03/18

More Info


It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging situation with your husband, and it's understandable to be concerned about his mental health. Based on the behaviors you've described, there are several potential issues that could be at play. It's important to approach this situation with empathy and understanding, as mental health can be complex and multifaceted.

From what you've shared, your husband exhibits several behaviors that may indicate underlying mental health issues. His tendency to talk to himself frequently, especially in a work setting, could be a coping mechanism or a way to process his thoughts. While self-talk can be normal, if it's excessive and interferes with his ability to focus or engage with others, it could be a sign of anxiety or another mental health condition.

The difficulty he has in concentrating on one task at a time, such as needing multiple screens or devices to engage with, may suggest issues with attention. This could be indicative of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or another attention-related disorder. People with ADHD often struggle with maintaining focus and may seek out multiple stimuli to keep themselves engaged.

His emotional regulation issues, such as becoming easily frustrated or angry when things don't go his way, are also concerning. This kind of emotional volatility can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including mood disorders like bipolar disorder or even borderline personality disorder. It's important to note that while self-diagnosis can be tempting, only a qualified mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.

The fact that he has mentioned having autism and that his behavior seems to have worsened over time may also be significant. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can manifest in various ways, including difficulties with social interactions, emotional regulation, and communication. However, it's crucial to understand that autism does not inherently lead to violent or aggressive behavior; rather, it may be that he is struggling to cope with stressors in his life.

His poor sleep quality and irregular eating habits could also be contributing factors. Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with mental health issues and can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, poor nutrition can impact mood and cognitive function, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.

Given that these behaviors have become more pronounced since your marriage, it may be that the pressures of adult life, work, and relationships are contributing to his struggles. Stress can significantly impact mental health, and if he feels overwhelmed, it could lead to the outbursts and emotional instability you've described.

It's essential to approach this situation delicately. Encouraging him to seek professional help from a mental health provider could be a beneficial step. A therapist or psychiatrist can conduct a thorough assessment and provide appropriate interventions, whether that be therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

In the meantime, fostering open communication about your concerns without judgment can help him feel supported. Let him know that you're there for him and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It may also be helpful for you to seek support for yourself, as dealing with a partner's mental health issues can be emotionally taxing.

In summary, your husband's behaviors suggest that he may be struggling with mental health issues that warrant professional evaluation. Encouraging him to seek help and maintaining open lines of communication will be crucial in navigating this challenging time together.

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