Depression

[denali_1963 0]

Maybe his headaches have something to do with the food he is eating here. I know pork gives me a bad headache. Or it could be something like clothes soap that he is not used too.

[MrsAmera 41]

That's a good idea Honey --- And really thank you all so much for the advice. It's made me feel not so alone! Tonight there was a potluck at the mosque and we went. This was our third (forced by me) try and I think it finally worked. He settled in, talked to the guys and really enjoyed himself. One of them is a single guy and he wanted to call Youssef to go out and do stuff sometime. I am REALLY hoping this works out becuase it would be great for him to have a friend. Not that i don't like having him around but I know how important friends can be, especially ones who have gone through similar experiences.

I'm not sure if food is the issue since almost everything we eat is Moroccan food (per his request) and he is hesitant to step out of the small Moroccan box. He has been seeing the chiropractor and I think its helping some but at $34 a visit x3 visits a week I'm not sure how long we can afford it - and I really hate to say that! But anyway I will keep you all informed! Thanks again

[iceyspots 0]

I'm sorry to hear about your husbands health. Inshallah, he will get better in time.

Have you thought about asking him if his headaches are related to homesickness or the marriage? Is he happily married? If so, you should be patient and ask him what you can do to make his transition to the USA pleasurable.

If he is suffering from homesickness, have you thought about ordering the Middle Eastern Channels for your home?? Eventhough he is not able to go home, I'm sure he would enjoy watching middle eastern programs at home, especially while you are away at work or school.

Gotta love the arabic dish!

[honeyblonde 0]

I know what you mean about the chiropractor bills. I was going right before Abdel got here and mine was only $20 a visit 3 times a week. Just seeing that bill made me get up and be more active. My back had gotten messed up from spending so much time sitting - studying, at work, at school, then 4 hours a night online with Abdel.

Hopefully this friendship will be just what he needed to get him out and about.

[pureEvil 0]

it's been a LONG time since i have signed online here....

here goes: it's unfortunate that your partner seems depressed. i certainly hope it's something he can get out of with, as mentioned before, a daily routine. it's SO important to have responsibilities (his ESL class etc) to get him out of bed. for additional "encouragement", is there some classmate that can help him? maybe someone who picks him up before class, then he'll feel a bit obliged to go. i'm sure that the routine and the communicating with classmates (who might be going through the same hardships) will help him immensly.

in the same line of thinking.... does he have any friends? life is pretty boring with just ONE contact. (not that you are in any way boring!!! lol) but it puts a LOT of pressure, and thus stress, on you to "perform/entertain" even after a busy day of work/ class etc.

i'm not sure what your financial situation is, but i'm pretty sure a trip to morocco is less expensive that a trip to the ER, sans insurance! maybe he needs to see his family and let them know how he is doing and let him see how that they are getting along without him. A 2 week trip or so is just enough time for him to see his family, but not so long that he gets stagnant in morocco. maybe knowing the expectation of his family --they expect him to be happy, succeed, work, learn etc, i'm sure-- with give him a little kick into a more vigorous lifestyle. my husband was quite proud to show off his accomplishments in the english language when he went to see his family about 9 months after arriving in the usa.

if a trip is affordable, and you think the depression is homesickness, maybe that could be a good solution... or a step towards a solution.

good luck!! keep encouraging him to go to ESL classes...... the ability to communicate makes SUCH a difference! it will give him a lot more independance and self confidence.