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Tips for surviving a life I didn’t sign up for?

244 replies

Snorfig · 08/03/2026 10:49

Thanks to my husband’s porn addiction (which I knew nothing of until a dawn police raid in 2024) I’m now a single parent to a highly anxious teen and autistic pre-teen, I have to supervise contact with their dad (I won’t let him live with us) and deal with All The Everything.
I work PT as a lawyer in a high pressure public sector field, I’m very good at my job and better able to cope with my job than I ever was when He lived at home, but my life is a dumpster fire.
I struggle to do the amount of exercise I need to stay in stable mental health (endurance sport) and my whole non-working time is consumed by my autistic daughter, with my eldest getting scraps of my attention.
I had to cancel my weekly cleaner as it isn’t affordable, and my friends are all busy with their lives so I don’t have a social life. Our friends we used to hang out with as families have dropped me, or I find it very difficult to be around them as I’m wary of men (significant PTSD from the shock and betrayal).
all I have is buying things off Vinted and doom scrolling. I am just holding on day by day till the youngest is over 18 and they can make their own arrangements to see their dad. I feel like I’m just existing, I hate my life and don’t recognise it.
Any suggestions for little pockets of happiness I can find that don’t cost too much would be much appreciated.
I already run, lift weights, journal and meditate. I’m in therapy (have been since life exploded).
I don’t get enough sleep (autistic child regressed massively due to trauma) and i struggle to prioritise myself at all.
I think a lot of not existing. That’s not an option obviously but I need to make daily life tolerable.

OP posts:
Yellowlobelia · 08/03/2026 11:58

For books have a look at the Furrowed Middlebrow blog. It recommends lesser known women writers from 1910-1960. Can't guarantee no sex, but there will probably be less!

igelkott2026 · 08/03/2026 12:08

I've just read Libby Page's latest book - no sex in that. it also recommends a series of books itself (it's called This Book Made Me Think Of You). I think her others are ok as well.

Travel books might be good as well?

Theseventhmagpie · 08/03/2026 12:09

PeasPorridgeHotandCold · 08/03/2026 11:07

Novels? If you have a free half hour and the 'right' novel, it can be a little almost holiday of joy. I say 'right' because imo the wrong sort of book can feel like a giant boring waste of precious time, but the right sort of novel can transport you either out of your life or further inside yourself, whichever you need. What's right or wrong will obviously depend on what mood and mindset you're in but plenty of people on Mumsnet have given excellent recommendations on book threads in the past if you think that might be worth exploring

Another vote here for a really good book- an absolute page turner.
It’s a total cliche but all things pass, give yourself a massive pat on the back as it sounds like you’re doing bloody well all things considered.💐

ERthree · 08/03/2026 12:09

Snorfig · 08/03/2026 11:11

Thanks Peas. I’ve had some real challenges finding ‘safe’ novels as I was proper literature but there’s so much bloody sex in it all and I’m very triggered by any explicit sexual content. I have so many half read books that I was enjoying til they became too distressing to read.

Go back and read your favourite authors from childhood.Spend time in the library just browsing, it is a very peaceful and still way to l
ose yourself for half an hour. There are many people who read such books. They bring back the joy of reading and they are safe. There are many forums online where people discuss such books.
Please please remember you are in a chapter of your life, not a great one but it is only a chapter not the whole book and it will pass.
Your current situation is not your final destination, hang in there.🌼

Tinkergirl1970 · 08/03/2026 12:11

Oh I totally understand surviving a life you didn’t sign up for. My son died by suicide 18 months ago and I don’t recognise who I am now.

The things that I do that provide the smallest glimmer are

  • finding other people who understand some of what you are going through - I dip in to support groups when I can cope with talking/listening
  • I have a really good counsellor that helps me process the “what ifs”
  • Podcasts that are interesting but not too close to my reality
  • Accepting my need to do whatever I need to do, is the most important thing and bugger any guilt or people trying to tell me how to feel
Tillow4ever · 08/03/2026 12:14

I’m sorry you’re going through all of this. It sounds incredibly hard on you all, and through absolutely no fault of your own. You sound incredible - please hold onto all of us here telling you that!

I’m going to suggest something a bit niche that will either work brilliantly for you or not at all. A few years ago I was struggling - no time or money for exercise and I was barely leaving the house. I decided to download Pokemon Go and start playing that with my youngest son, and the older two whenever they got back into it (they dipped in and out). This gave me and the kids the opportunity to exercise for free whilst exploring the local area and getting lots of fresh air in. It also meant that I made some new friends - I found local players who I regularly meet up with now, one woman we meet nearly every day (and in the summer we likely will be back to daily meets). I personally had zero interest in pokemon, and outside the game I still don’t - but I enjoy the community aspect and the completing challenges/research in the game etc. Could this be something you could do with one or more of the kids? The autistic pre-teen it could be perfect for (I don’t think there is anyone on our group who isn’t ASD or ADHD, it’s definitely a hobby that seems to attract players who are ND). It would get you all out of the house, and for me it’s a nice screen time compromise - the kids get more than you might allow at home because it’s not just sitting at home.

If you think this is something you’d be interested in to get you out more, make some new friends (most of my group are women, and although there are some men, I’m part of a smaller group of 5 women who all get on really well and socialise outside of the game too now), entertain the kids and mean you’re not in the house making a mess, feel free to PM me and I’ll happily talk you through getting started and how to safely find your local group. If you lived anywhere near me (unlikely given your career) I’d happily have met you and if once you got to know me you trusted me, I’d have given you a break by babysitting for you too. I’m sure you’ll find women locally that eventually you’ll be able to do that (ideally find others with children that you can reciprocate care for).

Good luck to you, you’ve got this.

PabloEscoBear · 08/03/2026 12:14

Also books with no sex scenes are all the Agatha Christie Miss Marple & Poirots.
i recently downloaded them all onto my kindle and am working my way through them, and they’re great. Even though I’ve read them before I still find myself unable to work out ‘whodunnit.’

Stoufer · 08/03/2026 12:15

Is your autistic child on melatonin? That can make a massive difference to their quality of life, calmness, ability to self-regulate etc etc.Perhaps ask for a referral for your autistic dc to a sleep clinic, to get this prescribed? (In the meantime you could explore ordering melatonin gummies from US pharmacies, there are a few that do them and send to the UK - and you can get melatonin gummies for adults as well, which you could also try). It made a massive difference to my dc - much less screaming / rages, and a greater tolerance of trying things / talking etc etc

The anxious teen may also benefit from a GP appointment, as I understand that propanolol (beta blocker which is also used to reduce symptoms of anxiety) can really help, and the GP can assess whether something like counselling / anti-depressants may be helpful. GP’s can be much more willing to trial propanolol in teens, tha anti-depressants, and it may just help them cope a bit better in the short term. Something to consider, anyway.

ps - have you been advised that contact with your dh needs to be supervised? If so, can you push for it to be supervised at a contact centre (or something similar, I don’t know about these things), or supervised by someone else? (Any grandparents who may help?) If you have ptsd from this whole experience then I imagine having to spend time with your dh may not be ideal for you. And frankly, that time that your dc are with him should allow you some respite time.

BlueEyedBogWitch · 08/03/2026 12:16

Snorfig · 08/03/2026 11:11

Thanks Peas. I’ve had some real challenges finding ‘safe’ novels as I was proper literature but there’s so much bloody sex in it all and I’m very triggered by any explicit sexual content. I have so many half read books that I was enjoying til they became too distressing to read.

Try some of the books on the ‘Slightly Dated Novels’ threads?

I can recommend Barbara Pym, EF Benson, RC Sherriff, Josephine Tye - anything from Persephone Books, really.

They’re so often about strong women in difficult circumstances, written with wry humour and wisdom. So comforting.

I’m sorry you’re having a shitty time, through no fault of your own. I relate, although my circumstances differ.

There’s always hope.

Stoufer · 08/03/2026 12:18

Edited to remove repeat information

Stoufer · 08/03/2026 12:21

ps - I find Georgette Heyer novels (regency ones!) to be the literary equivalents of comfort-food! Ni sex in them, obviously!

Tillow4ever · 08/03/2026 12:23

Tinkergirl1970 · 08/03/2026 12:11

Oh I totally understand surviving a life you didn’t sign up for. My son died by suicide 18 months ago and I don’t recognise who I am now.

The things that I do that provide the smallest glimmer are

  • finding other people who understand some of what you are going through - I dip in to support groups when I can cope with talking/listening
  • I have a really good counsellor that helps me process the “what ifs”
  • Podcasts that are interesting but not too close to my reality
  • Accepting my need to do whatever I need to do, is the most important thing and bugger any guilt or people trying to tell me how to feel

I’m so sorry for you loss. I hope you can find yourself again, it must be so painful. I am glad you found support groups etc, this really is a crucial part of healing for many people.

PullTheBricksDown · 08/03/2026 12:25

Was just about to suggest Barbara Pym. And the Miss Marple Agatha Christie novels are great for your situation - women's resilience in a world of predatory men.

SlashBeef · 08/03/2026 12:27

A friend had a similar situation (dawn raid, traumatising details etc) and the ripples continued for years. It's been about 4 now and she's doing better. I don't mean that to sound pessimistic, more as reassurance that your life has basically had a bomb dropped on it. If all you do is tread water for some time, it's enough. Carry on with the therapy and you will slowly find things improve.

NovemberMorn · 08/03/2026 12:28

ERthree · 08/03/2026 12:09

Go back and read your favourite authors from childhood.Spend time in the library just browsing, it is a very peaceful and still way to l
ose yourself for half an hour. There are many people who read such books. They bring back the joy of reading and they are safe. There are many forums online where people discuss such books.
Please please remember you are in a chapter of your life, not a great one but it is only a chapter not the whole book and it will pass.
Your current situation is not your final destination, hang in there.🌼

Such a beautiful message, and so true.
I can't add anything to this thread that hasn't already been suggested, but I wish the OP and her children the best of luck for the future. x

HoppityBun · 08/03/2026 12:31

Dear OP,

I have great respect for you and I fully understand that your life has absolutely not turned out as you thought and hoped it would be. I suspect that the things and suggestions that will help you are ones that don’t seem particularly unusual or are ones that have been mentioned before, but there is often some truth in them.

First off, may I suggest calling the Samaritans at times when you feel you could do with talking to someone? They are not only for people who are in the brink of self harm. Whilstit is true that they can’t do anything to change your circumstances, they do have experience of listening to people who are in desperate straits and sometimes they can put you in touch with resources that can help you. That is not to say they can provide them, but they sometimes know people who can assist.

Second, and I’m really sorry to be so trite, but I would make a list of the short medium and long-term things that would help you. It could be as little as just having an hour to yourself or a decent night’s sleep. It does help to be clear and specific in your own mind about what you need and what you want.

Where I live there are local charities that support families. They aren’t national charities and their reach doesn’t extend beyond my county and the one next door. I suggest you look around.

I do know how irritating it is when people who know nothing make suggestions that you’re already aware of and that can’t assist you for one reason or another. I will take that risk. You have lots of different issues going on.

Have you contacted the Carers Trust? Charities that support people with autism and their families might also help.

There is also the Survivors Network for people who are affected by someone’s sexual offending. Probably there are other others too and it might be worth contacting your local authority, to ask. Social workers often do know of local resources.

If you break down every single problem that you have and look for a support network, charity or other organisation that deals with that, you can take a strategic approach to getting assistance you need. You’re going to have to be ruthless and determined about that.

It seems to me that you need the support of people who are experiencing your specific difficulties, not just general friendship groups. You need people who understand what you’re going through, so that you can speak freely.

Nevertheless, perhaps also look at ways you can get time out away from your difficulties, even if it’s only by Zoom. Again, I’m going to be trite: have you thought of things like book clubs? Even virtual meetings? I realise you don’t have time to read much, I really do understand that, but a couple of chapters a week with a focus of a meeting might help. You can read read books online through your local library.

I do apologise if my suggestions come across as well meaning but utterly useless. As I hope you can see from here there is a great deal of support for you from people who do not know you. That will continue.

Loub1987 · 08/03/2026 12:31

Hi @Snorfig, if you are already doing more than your contracted hours, consider making a flexible working request to do an extra handful of hours in the evening on your working days. It would help financially and the worst they can do is say no.

I am so sorry you are dealing with this but it sounds like your kids are very lucky to have you x

Ophy83 · 08/03/2026 12:33

My suggestion is audio books while you do things - they can cheer up mundane tasks like laundry/making dinner, or be the background to gardening or crafting/painting (I enjoy online art tutorials). As others have said, safe literature includes kids series like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. His Dark Materials (northern lights) is also excellent- I'm currently listening to the prequel trilogy read by Michael Sheen who is a wonderful narrator. Or podcasts. Josh Widdicombe has a new one that does deep dives into pop culture which I really enjoy - the story of the spice girls, Mr Blobby etc.

PaulRobinsonsLeg · 08/03/2026 12:35

I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

For joy, I wanted to suggest gardening, if you have a garden? It's outside, fresh air, exercise - digging a big hole for a pond can be very therapeutic. Or can you and the kids grow some fruit and vegetables together? I'm autistic and find so much peace in the garden.

For books, I always return to childhood favourites when I'm in a bad time, and a series is good for me so I don't have to think about what to read next (Malory towers, the princess diaries, harry potter, Anne of green gables, babysitters club and the chocolate box girls have all been reread several times)

Wishing you all the best.

Sensiblesal · 08/03/2026 12:35

You don’t have to survive it, but I think you have the power to change things & make your life so much better.

if your ex needs to have supervised contact with the children then he should be paying for a contact centre & not traumatising you further.

You need some therapy/help to get past this trauma. Don’t let your ex’s actions stiffle your life forever, you don’t deserve that.

you sound like you are doing a pretty good job of ‘surviving’

think there have been some good & practical solutions offered so far, Can you carve some time in that one day off a week you have to do something just for you?

WildMintPanda · 08/03/2026 12:39

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Mosaic123 · 08/03/2026 12:44

Book suggestion: Diary of a Provincial Lady.

Set in the 1930s and highly chaste. Also gently amusing and so different from everyday life nowadays.
There are a few sequels. All written by E M Delafield

Ivyy · 08/03/2026 12:44

Oh op what happened sounds so traumatic, I’m so sorry your ex put you and your dc through all this. Do they have to have contact with him or do they choose to? I know a couple of my dd’s friends who are 14-15 who don’t have any contact with one parent through choice. One since age 13 and one more recently, their choices were taken into account by the family court at that age.

I very much relate to the life you didn’t sign up for, different circumstances but do include dc with sen and sending you an empathetic hug Flowers

Edelweiss129 · 08/03/2026 12:44

The one thing that I picked on from your post,OP, is that you only have scraps of attention for the older child. Please please make some time for the older child as well. Look at it as keeping yourself busy so you don't doomscroll or think about anything negative

MintoTime · 08/03/2026 12:46

@Snorfig

you’re still there OP, you are still showing up. That’s huge and your children are lucky to have you.

have you got any family support? anyone who can be a responsible adult some of the time?

And agree that you should outsource as much of the donkey work as you possibly can.

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