I hope you and your partner will be able to turn the corner - and I really believe it can be done.

There is something to be said for getting away from 'all depression, all the time'. This isn't to say that you don't want to address the issues, and of course he will still need help and counseling - it's just that there's also just getting out of the quicksand. Becoming present and being in the 'here and now' - planning for the future and enjoying what's going on right now, even while dealing with some of the stuff from the past.

You were saying something in an earlier post - about being firm - this is a good thing! Keep it up - because this is helpful. Firmly in the present, wanting to fill up life with lots of good things instead of being sucked up into the muck, so to speak.

In the meantime - I really think you should get a red winter coat

Michele! I just read this and don't know what else to add. You're amazing and have admirable strength to care and love this much. You deserve all the support.

I don't have any experience with depression, but I heard of some support groups for families who lost their loved ones to cancer. Have you tried finding one in your area? Sounds like it's been a long time already and it might not help directly. However, you might get some advice through those families as well. I know first hand that watching your mom/dad die of cancer could be traumatic.

Michelle - You are so a role model in so many, many ways. Please take care of yourself. I would encourage you to look into at least a few therapy sessions for you and/or couples counseling to deal with some of the issues that are coming up. I know several people dealing with varying degrees of mental illness. This is very tough since there are so many schools of thought and in my opinion, really poor support from the government/policy arena. My biggest suggestion would be to find a therapist he connects with - unfortunately there are a lot of bad therapists out there and several who are qualified but may not have the right chemistry. If he likes his current therapist and wants her to push him more, he needs to ask for that and see what happens. The therapist might be able to take the lead from him and do exactly that or that might not be in her approach.

Big hugs to you. Please let me know what else I can do to help support you.

More hugs and wishes to support you in any way that I can.
I don't have any experience with these problems but some relatives do. This time of year is especially hard with family connections and the added burden of less sunlight. From what I've seen, you want lots of bright light in your apartment.
One relative has a spouse that is very depressed, suicidal, and low self esteem. What helps this person most is attending and active involvement in several 12-step groups several times a week. The depressed person is very intelligent and feels helpful to others at these meetings...someone needs their encouragement, etc.
Anyway, it may be an idea Corey could explore and find where he is needed, especially if he has time on his hands.

Michelle, I don't have much else to add in terms of advice. But I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you. I am so glad you feel comfortable in the support network the forum can be. We are here for you. And do please take care of yourself. You can't effectively help anyone else if you don't. Hugs.