Mental Health and my children

[Sarah8018]

For the past year maybe more I have suffered with severe depression. Mainly due to finding out my partner was on gay websites. I couldn’t eat or sleep and sunk into deep depression. I wanted to leave but he said he would kill himself if I did. He left after an argument and I eventually had a breakdown which resulted in an attempted suicide and subsequently a stay in a mental health hospital. My ex had care Of baby whilst I was receiving treatment. On discharge I found out it was not safe for me to return to my home and have been placed in temporary accommodation. My ex is refusing to let me see my baby at all. As I received a payment of universal credit on 18th whilst in hospital ( which my ex spent) I am not entitled to any help as I already had an advance when he first left. I have been placed in temp accommodation with nothing I have visited food banks to eat . I would love some advice if anyone has any firstly and most importantly with regards to seeing my son and secondly of any help available to me.

Aw sarah. You’ve been through so much. I don’t have any “advice” as such apart from to contact your local citizens advice. Our local one would be able to show you your options in a situation like yours.

You say it wouldn’t have been safe to return home...is that because of abuse? If so, have you been in touch with any agencies?

Your situation can and will improve, and I’m so sorry your ex is being such a dickhead. I’ve had suicide attempts/hospital stays and my children live with me, not their dad. Your ex has no right to stop your baby seeing her mum xx

I have been to citizens advice for advice I have an appointment for mediation on Thursday. It isn’t safe as he got loans from loan sharks and they were visiting and threatening me. I voluntarily contacted social services so they are involved but can’t make him give me access only courts can do that it’s such a mess xx

Sorry to hear your ex was involved with Liam sharks, but glad to hear you’ve got the ball rolling. Fingers crossed you can get contact sorted at mediation rather than going to court. Going to court would be pointless as you would be granted contact, and he might end up worse off than if he sorted it out voluntarily.

I ended up with SS involved due to safeguarding because I was severely depressed and attempted suicide mode than once, MH people contacted SS. The fact you’ve had to do this yourself rather than anyone doing it for you is a good thing and will work in your favour. Your ex getting money off loan sharks, and not being co-operative with contact won’t go in his favour.

You’ve been dealt a bad hand, and it doesn’t sound like it will be easy but stay strong and you will come out ok the other side.

Have you family or friends who can help ?

Thank you for your comment dangermouse that has helped a lot! Everyday that goes by that I don’t see my son my heart breaks a little bit more it’s so hard. And no I don’t have any family or friends to help! I kind of feel I have been left to rot tbh I was the one that always helped but now I can’t I am of no use x