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[quote=Anonymous]We're far from perfect but a few ideas ...

Plan a big trip together for sometime this year. A bucket list type destination. Anticipation of something positive is a powerful mood enhancer.

Encourage him to pursue a hobby he's always wanted to get involved in and support him 100%. Plus, make allowances for any extra expense or time it may take to fulfill this dream.

If he's open to this, create a space to just talk about gratitude together. Maybe a nice dinner at your favorite date spot. You each come to the table with a list of things you are thankful for in your lives and discuss them together. It's tremendously fulfilling if your partner is up for it. Repeat the process with your whole family one evening. We've put up "gratitude trees" in the past where each of us fill out tags with what we're thankful for and hang them on a bare tree.

Urge him to start a meditation practice, daily, or some sort of other mindfulness habit. It's easy to start with some apps online. Bottom line, his mood will not be changed by anyone but himself. Meditation is a great way to stay in the moment and ground yourself.

Is he treating his body with health and respect? Daily exercise, stretching, good food, less alcohol, etc? Mindset and physical health can be closely linked as we creep into older age. If it's something you hope to do as well, try joining a gym together and doing some classes inspire you both.

Encourage his male friendships outside of the home. Guys spill the dirt when they're together, alone, and it helps put their own lives in perspective. Sure, it may seem like a night at the bar but my DH comes home realizing his life is pretty darn great.

Finally, realize when this "mood" becomes toxic to the family despite your best efforts. At that point, it's time to talk therapy and beyond. No family needs to live with one person's crisis forever.

Good luck! And don't forget to take care of yourself too. xo

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