First, you can’t fix it. Please know that. You can listen, support, and offer wonderful distractions, but you can’t make it all better. I’m sure you know that, but please believe it.

As for what might help him, it sounds like it would be good to ask. Is he someone who would benefit from having an hour of alone time when he gets home? Or does he want to talk? Does he like when you offer ideas for his situation or it frustrating to hear advice right now?

You can say, “I want to support you, and I hope I’m doing it in a way that feels good to you. What do you need from me right now?”

I keep thinking about the many teachers I know who hit a wall during lockdown – and then again when schools reopened. Some decided, over time, that they could no longer be helpful doing what they were doing. A few friends are still thinking, “How can I be of service to the world but in a new way?”

Yes, it seems like your husband’s issues are about one thing, but he also might need to process whether he wants to try something different. You could ask whether he needs counseling for support with his career and goals, in general.

Of course, the easiest thing to do – for both of you – is to plan some healthy fun for weekends. Being outdoors is good. A change of scenery – like a day-trip – can be great. Ask him, “What would a perfect Saturday look like right now?”

Then, when it feels good, make it happen.