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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I need help don’t I

26 replies

DespPirate · 25/02/2024 21:07

I don’t even know what happened last night. Sorry this is so long.

DP and I have been together 2 years and generally we get on great, but recently our lows have been pretty bad. We recognised my mental health has been deteriorating (past trauma) and I’ve been trying my best to get better. My last therapist quit and I’m in between trying to find extra help, but I thought I was doing ok.

The issues have included me becoming irritable quickly, interrupting him when he speaks, not understanding his point of view etc. he also says I’m not willing to understand I have a problem, eg after an argument I’ll apologise and say I’ll work on myself and then a couple of weeks later I’m back to doing the same things and not realising it. One of my biggest issues is that if I have a bad day, I’ll always be looking for a reason why HE isn’t happy anymore eg we must be arguing because “he isn’t happy anymore” rather than me causing issues and I’m desperate to find the answer, he says I never believe him when he says he’s happy and he doesn’t want to end it.

Last night we were booking a holiday. We’ve been low on money the last few years and I was excited about this one. When we were looking at activities last night, he mentioned that we might not be able to afford to do all of the activities we’d written down. I got instantly upset because I feel like we can’t ever book a holiday without worrying about money.
He asked me what was wrong and I said nothing, he asked again and I said “we can’t afford it can we”. He asked why I always have to be so absolute and black-and-white. He then mentioned he was tired and we should go to bed, and I felt annoyed as I felt we’d been putting off booking things. So I stormed off to bed.

Later on, he tells me he felt like I’m ‘not communicating’ with him at the moment, and it’s causing lots of issues and pushing him away. He said his issue was instead of us just discussing the money, I had to jump straight to “we can’t afford it can we”. I’ve always been someone who reacts to things emotionally and doesn’t always act logically until after this. I saw this as him not accepting me as I am. He sees it as me not communicating with him.

He then admitted that he was very happy in general, but he feels my lows are getting worse. I thought I was doing better.
He says I’m becoming less tolerant, less willing to listen to him, and he said that apparently I’m doing my best to push him away. I don’t really understand how.
He said it’s because I’m not communicating with him, and not accepting that I’m making mistakes in the relationship. Instead I’m always making out it must be his problem - asking him why he’s gone off me, why he doesn’t like me anymore etc. I also have a tendency to see the relationship as doomed. Tbh I think I think I’m not good enough and he’ll see it eventually.
He said, for the first time, that he sees a time where i push him too far and we can’t come back from it.

We stayed up until 3am talking about it, and he wakes up really early for work so I felt really really really awful.

I cried a lot and i ended up hitting myself on the thighs a couple of times because i feel such intense guilt (i know, it’s terrible). I feel guilt for ruining the relationship, because he used to think i was perfect. I say this a loooooot. I also felt intense guilt for him not getting much sleep. I then ended up expressing suicidal thoughts (sick of not being good enough, what’s the point, it’s easier to die) and I think I really really scared him. He initially refused to sleep so he could watch me and make sure I was safe, but I felt so so awful about that and eventually he slept.

He said instead of a holiday maybe we need to spend money on getting me help urgently. He said it’s urgent and that he doesn’t want me to do anything stupid and it’s really really affecting our relationship.

Today we’ve both been really tired and he’s tried to be comforting but I’m struggling a lot. :( I’m feeling such intense guilt

OP posts:
DespPirate · 25/02/2024 21:23

Oh also I forgot to say, I have huge trust issues

OP posts:
Gazelda · 25/02/2024 21:25

It does sound as though you're struggling at the moment. Talking with a professional could be helpful. Perhaps make a GP appointment and see if they can get you a referral?

But I will say that, while you don't identify anything that your DP has done wrong, don't assume that he is blameless and it's all down to you. Nothing is ever that black and white. It may well be that with some counselling you uncover some issues to work on yourself. It may also highlight some areas of compromise that he could support you with. Relationships are about give and take. Don't shoulder all of the 'blame'.

DespPirate · 25/02/2024 21:27

You’re right, he’s definitely dealt with some things the wrong way but he’s able to take accountability for it. I find this hard. Thank you x

OP posts:
DespPirate · 25/02/2024 22:04

I think I am self sabotaging to an extreme point

OP posts:
MuggleMe · 25/02/2024 22:06

Are you on antidepressants? I found my irritability disappeared overnight when I did.

ChildofSunday · 25/02/2024 22:11

It sounds like you both need to go to individual therapy and couples counselling too. It’s very much a blame game at the moment, which doesn’t help anyone. You are meant to be on the same team.

nc42day · 25/02/2024 22:18

He said instead of a holiday maybe we need to spend money on getting me help urgently.

I'd say this sounds like a good shout.

Eyesopenwideawake · 25/02/2024 22:18

Reading your OP it strikes me that your reactions are quite child-like (not childish) - being irritable quickly/not listening/forgetting to change behaviour/getting overexcited and then disappointed/black and white thinking/hitting yourself when you feel bad.

Does this strike a cord with you? How was your upbringing?

Maybe this article will help;

https://www.betterrelationships.org.au/well-being/core-beliefs-self-acceptance/

Wolfiefan · 25/02/2024 22:22

Honestly OP you don’t sound like you’re doing ok at all. I would see your GP.
You over reacted to him trying to set realistic expectations about the holiday. And instead of having a discussion about what you could afford you flounced off.
Plus you say you respond emotionally. That’s not a sustainable way to tackle life or be in a partnership. I would look closely at why you do this and what changes you can make.
Plus staying up until 3am when he has to get up the next day is really intense and OTT.

DespPirate · 25/02/2024 22:35

I’ve tried two types of anti depressants and had a horrible reaction to both. Doctors advised me to stop taking them. I’m scared to try another :(
Thank you everyone, some of it has struck a cord yes. I think I have quite intense PTSD from my childhood and haven’t fully worked on it yet, I think it all comes from squashing my feelings down

OP posts:
DespPirate · 26/02/2024 11:18

We just spoke about it and everything was ok. I then brought up one more thing that was bothering me in the car later (as he tells me to do), but he kicked off, saying it was “the wrong time” and that I never think of him and that I’m selfish.
He goes on to say “you were a fucking disgrace last night” when I’m at my mental rock bottom, he said he couldn’t bear to be around me and he left me sobbing next to the parked car whilst he “went on a walk”

im heartbroken 🙁 he’s been the most gentle person before now

OP posts:
PieOMy · 26/02/2024 11:27

I'm sorry OP. It sounds like you'd be much better off getting some help at this point, rather than booking a holiday.

KissMyArt · 26/02/2024 11:39

Everyone has a breaking point OP and it sounds like you've both hit yours now.

I agree with the urgent help rather than a holiday.

Summerhillsquare · 26/02/2024 11:43

Are you sure it's you, rather than just being in a relationship that doesn't work for either of you?

Eyesopenwideawake · 26/02/2024 12:02

DespPirate · 25/02/2024 22:35

I’ve tried two types of anti depressants and had a horrible reaction to both. Doctors advised me to stop taking them. I’m scared to try another :(
Thank you everyone, some of it has struck a cord yes. I think I have quite intense PTSD from my childhood and haven’t fully worked on it yet, I think it all comes from squashing my feelings down

If you squish feelings down they will just find another way out - as you've found. Have you had therapy?

nc42day · 26/02/2024 12:11

Him reaching an edge doesn't mean he's not a gentle person, most of the time. I think that supporting someone in a mental health crisis is challenging and it's not reasonable to look to him as a benevolent force with no limits. He's also human.

Please, seek support without delay, that's not him. If you've got the funds call a therapist and just get face to face with someone you can talk this through with and get the help you need.

MysteriousInspector · 26/02/2024 12:16

This sounds like my marriage, a bit. Turns out my own MH issues were in large part due to him being a blamer (also a lazy cocklodger, but at least yours works).

I divorced him, and my MH improved massively.

Coffeecaketoday · 26/02/2024 13:21

I have complex PTSD and have also found myself feeling my marriage is doomed etc. However, I have had quite a bit of specialist trauma therapy (EMDR) and now I don't feel like that anymore. I didn't even discuss my marriage in therapy, just discussed my trauma and the marriage issues resolved naturally. As PP suggested I would be speaking to your GP.

VioletVesper · 26/02/2024 13:24

nc42day · 26/02/2024 12:11

Him reaching an edge doesn't mean he's not a gentle person, most of the time. I think that supporting someone in a mental health crisis is challenging and it's not reasonable to look to him as a benevolent force with no limits. He's also human.

Please, seek support without delay, that's not him. If you've got the funds call a therapist and just get face to face with someone you can talk this through with and get the help you need.

I agree with this. From his perspective you completely overreacted over having to budget for activities whilst on holiday, began hurting yourself and then bringing up suicide. He’s then had very little sleep due to being up with you and having to get up early for work. He’s only human and must feel mentally and physically drained. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you.

Honestly, you don’t sound ready to be in a relationship but if you are determined to stay with him then I think he’s made a good suggestion that you use the holiday fund to get some professional help.

DespPirate · 26/02/2024 13:24

after he left me sobbing on the kerb, I said he couldn’t do that, he said “I can do whatever the fuck I want”

OP posts:
DespPirate · 26/02/2024 13:24

Yes I have sought out some trauma therapists today I feel all fuzzy and confused so I’m hoping I’ll feel better.

OP posts:
Boomer1964 · 26/02/2024 13:32

Sorry but you are incompatible. My DH and I are like this. His tolerance to my being down or stressed is very low. I have been on venlafaxine for 5 years and things have improved but I feel I have to be medicated to stay married to him. Ybh I wouldn't marry him again as he just doesn't understand anyone other than himself. You may he happier being single providing you have a good support network.

Pinkdelight3 · 26/02/2024 13:42

Please do get help. Trying to book a holiday shouldn't turn into this upset and having to stay up till 3am to sort it out. You don't sound well and I don't think it's even helpful to get into who is or isn't more to blame because it's been going on a long time (albeit with good times between) and is exhausting for you both. A holiday won't fix it, as just trying book it has proved. He's right to suggest using the money to get some proper help for you, that's a good thing.

DespPirate · 26/02/2024 13:49

Thank you. I absolutely know I need the help I think I’m just hurt because I thought he was on my side and would be supportive, rather than calling me a disgrace and saying he can do whatever the fuck he wants, meaning leaving me crying at the car

OP posts:
Pinkdelight3 · 26/02/2024 13:56

DespPirate · 26/02/2024 13:49

Thank you. I absolutely know I need the help I think I’m just hurt because I thought he was on my side and would be supportive, rather than calling me a disgrace and saying he can do whatever the fuck he wants, meaning leaving me crying at the car

I'm not going to defend him because it's obviously a very fraught and complicated situation, but as a PP said everyone has their breaking point and runs out of energy to support someone else. It's probably not helpful to see this as having 'sides'. Focus on yourself and getting help to feel better. Until then, it's only going to lead to more upset to attempt to sort it out between you.