update to: Husband and I are having our longest fight ever and I don’t know what to do

A Reddit user shared a deeply unsettling experience where their husband, during a mental breakdown, reached out in a way that frightened them. After initially fearing for his safety, they called 911, and he was eventually hospitalized for a mental health crisis.

The user now faces the emotional and practical challenges of supporting their husband through his diagnosis and recovery while navigating a new chapter in their relationship. For more on how they are coping with the aftermath, read the full story below…

For those who want to read the previous part: https://aita.pics/sShEJ

‘ update to: Husband and I are having our longest fight ever and I don’t know what to do’

After I made my initial post, things took an unexpected and frightening turn. My husband called me, but something was off. He was speaking so fast that I couldn’t make sense of what he was saying.

I kept asking him to slow down, but then, he started screaming—like a full-on scream that left me completely bewildered and scared. It wasn’t the usual yelling or arguing we’ve done before; this was different.

In a panic, I thought something terrible had happened. I genuinely feared for his safety. I didn’t know if he was being hurt or in danger, so I immediately started tracking his phone’s location to find out where he was. To my shock, he was at a park in town, completely alone.

I knew I needed help, so I called 911, explaining that I wasn’t sure what was going on but that something was very wrong. When the paramedics arrived, they found my husband in the middle of a full-blown mental breakdown.

It turns out he’s in the process of being diagnosed with a mental illness—one that typically shows up in a person’s 20s, but for some reason, it manifested later for him. He had been struggling with this for a while, but I had no idea just how serious it had become.

Right now, my husband is in an inpatient mental health program where he is receiving the care and support he needs. Thankfully, he’s already showing signs of improvement. He’s doing a lot better, and I feel a bit of relief knowing he’s in good hands and getting the help that was long overdue.

This whole experience has been incredibly overwhelming for both of us. I never imagined that something like this would happen, and it’s hard to process everything. But I’m trying to stay strong for him while also taking the time to understand this new reality we’re facing.

We’re still working through the aftermath of everything, but I have hope that with the right treatment and support, he’ll be able to manage this mental health challenge. I’ve been reflecting a lot on our relationship during this time. Although we’ve had our ups and downs,

I realize how much I care about him and want to be there for him through this difficult journey. I’ve also learned so much about mental health, and I’m doing my best to educate myself so I can better support him as he navigates his recovery.

It’s a tough road ahead, but I’m determined to stay by his side. I appreciate everyone who has offered support and advice during this time. It’s comforting to know that there’s a community of people out there who understand what we’re going through, and I’m grateful for that.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

wonderhorsemercury −  The onset of mental illness posts are the ones that I hate the most. Often nobody is really at fault, but its likely the start of a long and difficult road for all involved.

PurpleRubberDuckie −  I’m so sorry. My husband had a break this past summer, and he was also 36. No other history of mental health problems except some mild depression. You are going to have a hard few months ahead of you. Call in all the help you can to help with the baby, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

TrustyourOverseer −  I read your other post and can speak from experience. I had a baby shortly after losing my mother at a young age and combined with postpartum depression I went crazy. My husband thought I was suicidal and I had to go to an impatient facility and I was so angry.

Angry and him for asking me to go, angry at the doctors, I was really convinced nothing was wrong with me, I hated being there. For what it’s worth I think going to a facility and getting on medication saved my life, I know now looking back how irrational I was behaving.

Your husband is in a place right now that will be hard for you to relate to or understand but with the proper counseling and maybe medications you both will be in a better place.

poppyhill −  So happy for you that he’s safe and so sorry about the circumstances.

cruisethevistas −  I remember your post. I hope he is able to get the care he needs. This whole situation is scary for you and for your daughter. My daughter is only one month younger than yours, and so I related to your story.. Best of luck to you all.

NowImABoliever −  I had a bad feeling when I read the first post that something about him sounded like he wasn’t 100% mentally, especially when you commented that he’d never acted that way before.

I’m glad you at least know what’s going on now and can take the next steps to move forward from this, and hope you and your family are doing as okay as you can right now.

pricklypear11 −  I’m so sorry you’re going through this! You are a strong and brave woman. My husband has mental illness that, when unmedicated, would mean our relationship wouldn’t stand a chance.

However when he is on a proper medication, we are a nearly “model” relationship! Without knowing the specifics or complexities of your situation….I just wanted to say that with treatment and perhaps medication you can have your husband and partner back! 

[Reddit User] −  I wish the best for your family.

bolli87 −  Oh my god, this is really terrifying. I hope for the best for your husband !!

Jinglemoon −  Sorry to hear he is unwell. Hope things improve for him and you and your baby, and that he gets the help he needs. Sorry also for my reply to your earlier post suggesting he might be seeing someone else.

His behaviour was so odd and out of line that that seemed like a possible explanation. Psychotic illness is a terrible frightening thing to go through, I hope you both can get some family support through his hospital stay and recovery.