@crabby55 I can only say that depression is a disease and like any other disease it needs to be treated.
My first real episode happened my second year of college. I had no idea what it was other than the fact it was a terrifying experience. I cycled in and out of depression for years and finally on the cover of Time magazine was a pill called Prozac. It was the first major breakthrough in the treatment of depression called SSRI’s. I read the article and called my PCP the next day. Long story short I finally had a name for what I had been suffering from for years.
Your husband is retired and I am assuming he has a good PCP. Have him set up an appointment and go with him if you have to. His doctor hopefully has some knowledge on depression and can prescribe a good SSRI. I have been taking Zoloft/ Sertraline along with Buspar and Wellbutrin for the last 35 years. It unfortunately can take six to eight weeks to fully get in his system but it will and like many medications he will have to take it the rest of his life. If Zoloft is not the answer there are many other SSRI’s out there. Depression is a real disease and there is help. Most SSRI’s are now generic so the cost is minimal.
Millions of people suffer from depression and the stigma is no longer what it used to be. Famous people from all walks of life have come forward with their stories.
Your husband has a choice. He can live the rest of his life being miserable or he can get help.
Hopefully with your help he gets help.
Good luck.