Hi Liza,
I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband are having these difficulties. Has a time like this happened before, where he's angry or upset for a week or so? Stress can take its toll on a marriage and it can really break down communication between a husband and a wife. Could he be having trouble at work or with his family/friends, etc.?
We men are often very prideful and we don't like to come out and express our feelings. To men, it's a sign of weakness and we don't like to show weakness in front of those we love. It could be something that he's ashamed of or perhaps he thinks you won't understand his problem. We men can be throwbacks to primitive times, like the old cavemen who would brood in their caves. We won't come out and talk until we're ready to deal with a problem. This can go on for days and weeks (yeah, we're stubborn). Women tend to talk openly about problems, whether it's with a sister or close friends. You ladies love to share and works things out -- or resolve things relatively quickly.
My wife and I are good examples of this. When we have a conflict, I usually storm out of the room and go into "brooding mode" until I cool down and think rationally. My wife on the other hand, likes to sit down and resolve things right then and there (and she'll often follow me around to finish her point). She can't go to bed mad, where as I can stay mad for a couple of days. Now if she approaches me when I'm still mad, I won't listen to her at all. As a matter of fact, we men will usually do the opposite of what the wife wants...just for spite. We should all be forced to watch ourselves argue on a big T.V. It would probably be embarrassing for both parties.
As a couple, we've compromised a bit and tried to work on our communication. She agreed not to press issues and allow me some time to cool off. I've agreed not to blow my cool and storm out, plus I'll come back and resolve things a bit quicker. We give each other time to talk, without the other spouse interrupting. So each of us gets to have our say and make our points.
Something must really be bothering your husband for this to go on for weeks at a time. Does he respond in the same way to other people that he cares about? He could have some deep emotional issues and you're the closest person to lash out at. We often hurt the ones we love when we're angry, even when we don't mean to. Maybe you can try to talk with him alone when your son is not around (away with family or friends). Give yourselves some private time to really talk and ask him what's going on and tell him how you feel. Maybe he'll open up.
I'll be praying for you both.