As a significant other to StaciM on this forum I can say I had many of the same questions. After much soul searching and oh so much talking and couples therapy without the therapist, I can say we are so much closer as a couple and now a family unit (came out to our 11 yr old son on Sat). I have known about the cross dresser side since before we started dating (25 years ago), but not the complete transition. The subject was broached in the past but I was in no way ready. Had I truly understood what this was doing to my spouse I might have chosen to not react the way I did. Since we started talking "truly talking" I understand the severe depression and what it was doing to our family.
Think about what the depression is doing to your spouse and in essence to you. Can you get past the "what a normal relationship" is to remember what and why you fell in love with your spouse in the first place. Think about what you have with your girlfriends today.... and that could be 1000% better with your best friend (spouse/partner).
Changes are inevitable and in all honesty for us in Canada, our benefits are pretty good. What province are you in?
I am here to listen/chat if you need a positive story.