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Depressed DH, ruined business, I'm spiralling.

143 replies

LittleAnonymouse · 15/09/2023 23:38

I'm posting anonymously - for reasons that will possibly become clear in a second.

I'm really upset, like hyperventilating crying upset, and the only thing that I feel will make it better is to hurt myself. This is something I haven't done in years, and not a soul knows I've done it in the past (very creative with hiding cuts in the creases of limbs etc.).

I'm absolutely not going to hurt myself tonight. My 15 yr old girl is upstairs in her room, she's number one in the list of priorities and thus would never do it under the same roof as her, but she goes to her dad's for the night tomorrow and I'm planning on doing it then. It gives me a sense of control when everything else is going crazy.

My "D"H has broken me, again. He cheated on me in 2013, he gaslit me for years, even when I was begging him for the truth, until I found out for sure in 2018. I stayed, we "recovered", he did so much to regain my trust. Or so I thought.

We own a small business (well smallish, we employ 25 people). I am a director. I was supposed to be an active partner, we argued over the years as I was consistently left on the periphery, I didn't have access to the finances for years, he always gave me an excuse as to why I didn't have replacement bank access details when mine stopped working pre Covid. I regularly asked him how we were doing financially, he sad "not bad", "pretty good", I checked with him
that major creditors had been paid, that pensions had been paid into (they have, I've now checked), every time I knew account submissions to companies house were due I would get assurance after assurance that it was all in hand. Every time there was a letter through our door saying the accounts were late, there was always a reason, always assurances that our accountant was taking care of it. I am a fucking IDIOT for believing him. If I'm honest, I never felt 100% sure deep down. I got myself another job last November, which I love and I've been very successful in so far - it gives me purpose, it gives me a renewed sense of identity and self worth. Thank god for this job.

The shit hit the fan on Thursday when our business partner (owns a very small percentage of the business, he's a silent partner for all intents and purposes but listed as a director) got a call from the bank to say that the ltd company had been struck off due to not filing any accounts (even the extension deadline had been exhausted), and that our bounce back loan of circa 22k and the overdraft that he had managed to run up since the last accounts were filed of 20k were both immediately due in full.

After all my pleas for involvement, information, offers of help and support ad infinitum (even after I started the new job), reassurances from him that all is well, we are now in a position that we may well have to sell our house to pay the debt, and shut a business down that has been running since the 80s (we took it over in 2013). I checked companies house, they have issued no less than 5 compulsory strike-off notices since 2020. I am livid with myself. Covid hit us hard, but that doesn't explain why accounts were submitted late, or not at all in this case. He's submitted a plea in writing to have a final chance to submit the accounts and he's meeting the accountant on Monday (it isn't her fault, she's been sending him emails asking for more information that he's just been ignoring), when they'll complete and file them if they can - in the vain hope that this will appease the Companies House gods.

He is saying all the right things, "I've fucked up, you deserve better" etc. he is telling me he has been depressed for a while, and I know depression takes many forms but all I've see him do over the past year is having fun with his mates, playing in his band, spending inordinate amounts of time on frivolous projects - which I thought he was doing as he was on top of the business stuff. He's been working from home about 90% of the time since Covid (I don't work from home), but unless I ask him to do something specific in the house it usually doesn't get done. Often the breakfast stuff is still on the table when I get home. Our lovely house is currently a shithole - it doesn't help that I'm currently anaemic so when I get home I am dog tired and can only just about make dinner - admittedly he does cook sometimes, and clears up if he doesn't cook, he's pretty good with the kitchen stuff.

He has had some shit thrown at him this year by life - he was very ill a few months ago and was hospitalised, which put him out for about a month, his estranged father died (complex grief is a thing, of that I'm sure). He has every reason to be depressed.

But he's lied and he's lied and he's lied. He's jeopardised us, our house, the livelihoods of 25 people, our friend/business partner and his family (who are godparents to my DD, as I am to theirs), not that I am going to let them financially suffer - this is on us. All because he couldn't say the words, "I need help". Why? Because of his pride? I just don't understand. He's crying a lot to me, suggesting we would be better off without him - I told him that suicide would be the most selfish thing he could do to me. Was that cruel? I'm begging him to see someone, to talk to someone - but I've also told him it can't be me right now as I am so so angry and upset.

He's currently on a golfing weekend - it was already paid for and to be honest I told him to go, I needed him away from me. It also happens to be an annual memorial golf weekend in memory of his friend that died by suicide.

The only thing I feel will help me feel better is to cut myself. I can't call Samaritans, not with my DD upstairs. They don't offer an online chat service yet, does anyone know of a service that does? I think I need to talk to someone.

OP posts:
LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 01:10

Blueeyedmale · 16/09/2023 00:32

Of course she has lots of empathy OP its her mum and she loves you very much,I was only 7 years old when I seen my mum self harm many times,she ended up going to a secure hospital and I did not see her for over 3 years,I was left with a friend of the family things happened that I won't go into as its a trigger for a lot of people ,but no matter how bad things are right now there is someone who cares for you and wants to support you,you are never alone the messages on this post are a shining example of compassionate humanity

Oh @Blueeyedmale - I think I can understand what you're alluding to, and to have that happen after all you went through with your mum is just heartbreaking. I hope you're doing well now.

OP posts:
Blueeyedmale · 16/09/2023 01:18

My life is much better now it took many years of intense counselling and I was in some very dark places but I got though it,I think its really good you are here speaking to people rather than dwelling on it and suffering in silence, you are probably a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for

Probably not normal on mumsnet for a man to do but mental health is so important I don't care I'm sending you hugs

LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 01:20

@DreamTheMoors that is a battle cry if ever I've heard one! I did just go and kiss and hug my DD, partially because of your post, and partially due to the fucker taking the last charger in the house other than DD's - which I just went and nicked. She's asleep, but am now waiting for my phone to charge (the cable is only 1m long so not conducive to a phone conversation whilst charging) and then calling Samaritans.

Thing is, everyone thinks he is the PERFECT husband. He's attentive, romantic, thoughtful, will go out of his way to help people. He's charismatic yet shows humility, excellent in his chosen field of work, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject. He's impressive. Generous with his time ... and his money (which turns out was all on the never never). FFS he made me an advent calendar with a personalised gift for every day a few years ago, he wrote and regularly performs a song about the night he met me. Have I been love bombed for the past almost 12 years?

OP posts:
LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 01:23

Blueeyedmale · 16/09/2023 01:18

My life is much better now it took many years of intense counselling and I was in some very dark places but I got though it,I think its really good you are here speaking to people rather than dwelling on it and suffering in silence, you are probably a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for

Probably not normal on mumsnet for a man to do but mental health is so important I don't care I'm sending you hugs

I posted on MN hoping that someone would have an idea of who I could talk to - turns out it was you lot! Not that I'm not gonna call Samaritans - I am as soon as this phone is sufficiently charged.

And I'll take every hug I can at the moment. Thank you.

OP posts:
DreamTheMoors · 16/09/2023 01:39

@LittleAnonymouse

Who gives a rat’s ass what everybody thinks?
They’re gonna find out soon enough he’s an incompetent, lying, stupid fool - aren’t they. Wasn’t a question.
You, my friend, need to concentrate on the girl upstairs and on yourself in the immediate future and how you’re going to proceed.
There’s only TWO important people in this particular scenario that I can see, but I don’t know how you truly feel about that jerkoff who stormed out and left you chargerless.
That’s the crappy part - and the part that you’ll have to figure out.
Right now is about getting through the night in one piece so that YOU CAN KICK HIS ASS IN THE MORNING!!!!!
Hahaha I think I’m more angry on your behalf than you are. And does he always suck up to you when he screws up? I don’t know if that’s love bombing or not, but you should be on to his antics by now.
Try and get some rest. ❤️

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 16/09/2023 01:44

Personally i could never forgive this or see him as remotely masculine again.

Good luck to you. 💐

twoandcooplease · 16/09/2023 02:09

@LittleAnonymouse
It's my go-to when I'm feeling stressed

Me too!! What is it about rage/stress cleaning that just zones you out of everything?

I was thinking that you could ask mn to take away your posts from your regular username. And also the one where you say 'oh shit...' to the poster that pointed it out and theirs too. That should keep your threat clean xx

No advice really just wanted you to know I am also here. Sending virtual support and a hug to you. I'm so sorry you have been out in this position I can't imagine the stress. You don't deserve it and you did everything right to try and stop this from happening. IDK why sometimes mens heads are just so far up their own arses they'll never accept needing or asking for help. It always backfires over s bit of pride. I really really hope you come out of this okay

twoandcooplease · 16/09/2023 02:28

No advice really

Sorry I have thought of some advice now.
When your husband is back from his fun golf weekend (I understand it's a memorial anniversary but he will still be playing golf with his mates and forgetting about the shitshow at home) and he's had the space to breathe and pretend nothing's wrong for a couple of days, make sure you are MAD when he gets back. He's pulled the poor me, sympathy suicide threat and cried his little eyes out to you. Be strong and dont back down.
Fine, if he is struggling to make calls maybe you can kindly phone the gp for him on Monday and ask for antidepressants however, once his MH is under control you need to confront him that this isn't going to go away by crying.
This needs immediate ACTION and I would be asking him what exactly his (single handed) plan is to fix this mess? And, is he willing to accept your advice and help to sort this out or is he going to be pigheaded and refuse help like he has till now . This is no time for him to cover his eyes and ears and pretend it's not happening. It

HerAvatar · 16/09/2023 02:28

I was thinking that you could ask mn to take away your posts from your regular username. And also the one where you say 'oh shit...' to the poster that pointed it out and theirs too. That should keep your threat clean xx

You can indeed, just hit 'report' on the relevant posts, choose 'other' from the options and ask MN to change the posts to the right username. Can you tell I've had to do it myself? Blush I'll be here a while longer if your phone isn't charged enough to make calls yet and it's helping to chat on here LittleAnonymouse, just so you know you're not alone x

PaminaMozart · 16/09/2023 02:46

I know you are totally stressed out and worried sick, but from how you describe him his threats to 'end it all' are just a means of manipulating you and to deflect from the mess he has dumped on you. Somehow I get the feeling that he seems to be the type who always land on their feet.

I'd say focus on yourself and your daughter. Get all the help you can - Samaritans, Mumsnet, real life friends, family... But also get some counselling for yourself - an hour a week where you can let it all pour out may hopefully free some precious headspace to deal with the fallout from the business failure.

And then, once you feel calmer, decide where you want to go with all this, whether you really want to hang around while he tries to fix this mess?

MariaAshley · 16/09/2023 04:56

"have I been love bombed for 12yrs?"

Yes. It's a persona. It's not real. The real him is the lying bastard. The rest is all about gaining other's adoration (and trust, so he can keep on pulling the wool over their eyes and use other's opinion of him being wonderful to further gaslight anyone with any doubts). In other words, everything he does, even the good stuff - it's all about him.

Every time you feel like offering him support - stop. Offer support to yourself instead. Don't listen to his excuses, don't hug him when he cries. Walk away and find someone to lean on for yourself, every time. You need your energies for yourself and DD. Expect him to get nasty when his crocodile tears bullshit doesn't work.

He hasn't asked for help because he didn't want any help. This isn't a mistake. He didn't accidentally fall into a bed and accidentally land, erect, in another woman. He chose to cheat on you. Just like this time he's chosen to do something else with his time (and the money?) other than pay what's due and then chosen to lie to you about it over and over again. He doesn't want to change, so he doesn't want help with that, he likes living his life doing whatever the fuck he wants. He doesn't care what other people want because he doesn't respect them.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. If there's any equity left after you've sold the house may I suggest you cut and run with your share? Put a roof over your own head, so you will never face losing your home again like this and disentangle yourself from him financially so whatever "mistakes" he makes in the future, he has no claim on your home.

Bluewitch · 16/09/2023 05:16

OP you need to cut your losses and dump him. Focus only on yourself and your daughter and speak to a solicitor about where you stand in term of the business, the house and the fact that he has lied about the company accounts.

As he is away, I would actually tell him not to bother to come back and to find another place to stay and that you are leaving him.

You need to disentangle your life from this guy and go it alone so he can no longer drag you down.

Bluewitch · 16/09/2023 05:19

I should have added I was in the position of also hitting rock bottom this week and wanting to hurt myself this week and I sought emergency support from the GP and bluntly told them I might do something stupid... she referred me to the mental health crisis team and gave me some antidepressants so please speak to a healthcare professional as well.

Lastchancechica · 16/09/2023 06:11

He is on a golfing holiday whilst you suffer like this….

That stood out to me.
He off with his friends, playing in his band, running up huge debts enjoying himself and cheating. It’s no wonder you are broken. He is dragging you down.

You have a wonderful dd, an excellent job and a whole future that does not need to include feeling this desperate.

Call a friend, they would want you to, get to day break and sit down and make a proper plan. You do not need to live like this. You have come through this before with ex dh you can do it again.

JFDIYOLO · 16/09/2023 07:28

How are you today? Hope you were able to call and speak with them.

As it's Saturday, could you do a nice actvity with DD?

Something energetic and outdoors where you could run, shout, hug, scream, get out of breath, eat a treat, use all that pent up adrenaline of rage and sadness and fear?

Bit of a wait til Monday but please do call your doctor for some practical help.

Love to you both.

SantaBarbaraMonica · 16/09/2023 07:38

I have an image of you OP, 3 yrs from now, in a lovely clean home you’ve carefully put together, with your DD coming and going as she finds her independence. You are still at your new job and have progressed in it. Your time is your own and you spend it with people who don’t take from you. You’ve new hobbies and social groups.

Your ex has his own life and you have no responsibility for it or any of his choices. And you don’t feel anything much for him other that disgust at how he treated you and your family when you were together.

BIossomtoes · 16/09/2023 08:42

Morning @LittleAnonymouse. I thought of you the moment I woke up, I hope you managed some sleep and it all looks a little bit less bleak this morning. Don’t give too much thought to the future beyond today, it’s really one day at a time in crisis. I hope you can get together with your friends today and talk to them about how this feels. If you can spend the day with them that would be wonderful. Let us know how you are.

LoonyLois · 16/09/2023 09:05

Hope everything is feeling a lot lighter this morning OP

LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 09:45

Morning all, I did speak to Samaritans and they were amazing, I didn't get to sleep until about 3 as I was on with them for over an hour. They listened, I cried. They told me to get an emergency appt via 111 re. the cutting ideation. But I think if I speak to my friends today I can possibly avoid that.

DD is off to her dad's today at about 12:30, so not much time to do stuff with her, may drag her out for a walk before she goes - may even borrow our friend's crazy spaniel who's only a few doors down and take him along for the ride - he's guaranteed to put a smile on your face 🐶.

I know I need to be practical - make hard decisions and plans, but for today I think I'm going to focus on DD until she goes, then clean the bathroom until it's spotless, have a long bath and then hopefully go see my friends.

The only person who knows in real life so far is my boss. She was amazing and told me that I must take whatever time off I needed as and when. I was worried that her reaction may be that she would report to our trustees that I was a risk to the organisation (suddenly becoming completely skint) as I'm transitioning to her role (she is the top of the pile hierarchy-wise but leaving in a few months) but she said her only concern was what she/they could do to help me.

OP posts:
JFDIYOLO · 16/09/2023 10:36

Your boss sounds like a star. It seems you have a decent role, income, pension, status there - that's brilliant. Hope you're having a fun day and will enjoy blitzing the bathroom - I've just finished doing mine, laundry on, at cafe for cappuccino and cake now 🤗

BIossomtoes · 16/09/2023 10:50

You sound much more positive today, so pleased you got some sleep. One day at a time is a good mantra.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 16/09/2023 10:50

Morning @LittleAnonymouse I'm so glad you spoke to someone. Baby steps. Focus on today. A walk, some relaxing and spending time with friends sounds like a great idea.

LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 13:20

I'm getting angrier and angrier as the hours go by to be honest. He'll be having a great time, most likely told his brother and friends and is lapping up lashings and lashings of sympathy and advice, getting drunk, generally having a nice time and a cathartic outpouring of emotions. Hey, you never know - maybe he even got lucky and got an emotional support fuck from one of the other hotel guests - you know, just to make him feel better (but it wouldn't be his fault, of course, it's that damn depression that made him do it).

And here I am, at home, mind won't stop whirring around, jumping from panic, to desolation, to tears.

OP posts:
Moonopoly · 16/09/2023 13:29

Oh I’m so sorry OP please do call one of the lines mentioned to keep yourself safe. I’m not making excuses for him but as soon as I read this I thought does he have ADHD and then you said your daughter did and there is often a link between parents and children with neurodivergence.
I have ADHD (as does my eldest) and whilst I haven’t done anything to this extreme I get huge avoidance for tasks that seem really simple but I literally ‘can’t’ do them. It seems so odd he just hasn’t filed (unless he’s embezzling) obviously this isn’t an excuse but is there any possibility this could be a reason for his behaviour?

Moonopoly · 16/09/2023 13:31

Sorry just seen you’ve called Samaritans which is good. Good also your boss is being so supportive.