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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:
Jackydaytona · 16/09/2023 13:36

What a piece of shit he is op

I'm glad you're turning your anger where it belongs - with him and his actions

I hope you find the strength to leave x

LizzieSiddal · 16/09/2023 13:46

Flowers glad you managed to speak to Samaritans.

Just a heads up, you won’t have to pay back the Bounce Back Loan from money from your house as non of those loans are secured against anything. Also unless the overdraft was secured against your home, again they can’t force you to sell your home to pay it back.

When you are feeling stronger, get advise for yourself, either from your accountant, solicitor or someone like Citizens Advice. Don’t rely on your H for information as he may well lie again.

PaminaMozart · 16/09/2023 13:47

It looks like you're done, @LittleAnonymouse , and who can blame you.

I hope you will be able to channel your anger and use it constructively💐

IncompleteSenten · 16/09/2023 14:03

His tears and threats are manipulation and nothing more.

MeAgainPeeps · 16/09/2023 14:16

I wondered if you have done a safety plan @LittleAnonymouse . It's really a good idea especially in times of stress.

https://hatw.co.uk/resource/self-harm-safety-plan/

I also find this guided meditation helpful. Michael Seely has lots of helpful meditation on YouTube. I find them enough to give me a few seconds of quiet in my head. I sufferer from suicidal ideation.

Self-Harm Safety Plan – Heads Above The Waves

A self-harm safety plan can be an important tool for helping you get through some of your toughest times. Knowing how to spot that you’ve been triggered, thinking of things you can do to keep safe, and the places you can turn for support are useful in...

https://hatw.co.uk/resource/self-harm-safety-plan

LifeInTheUK · 16/09/2023 14:18

LizzieSiddal · 16/09/2023 13:46

Flowers glad you managed to speak to Samaritans.

Just a heads up, you won’t have to pay back the Bounce Back Loan from money from your house as non of those loans are secured against anything. Also unless the overdraft was secured against your home, again they can’t force you to sell your home to pay it back.

When you are feeling stronger, get advise for yourself, either from your accountant, solicitor or someone like Citizens Advice. Don’t rely on your H for information as he may well lie again.

⬆️⬆️

This!

First step is to look at those pesky accounts and sort out what’s going on.
The fact he pushed you away right from the start isn’t good either tbh. And I’d want to do A LOT of digging into accounts etc…. to see what has been going on in those last few years.

As for your DH…. I don’t think I’d ever be able to trust him ever again. On anything.

MeAgainPeeps · 16/09/2023 14:19

Also, in a lot of areas you can self refer for MH support. Look what's available near you x

TeaGinandFags · 16/09/2023 14:24

Sending love and hugs.

If the thought of hurting yourself becomes overpowering, use ice not a knife. It feels the same but doesn't inflict the damage.

Take good care of yourself

NeedToChangeName · 16/09/2023 14:43

OP, you have a lot going on. It sounds really tough

Please seek support for your mental health

Knowledge is power. Make your own investigations about the financial status of the company and what your personal / the business liabilities are

EmmaStone · 16/09/2023 15:18

I'm so sorry to hear this OP, what a horrible situation to find yourself. I'm so glad you're seeking help regarding your mental health and have support from good friends.

On the business side of things, are you able to take back some control here? Can you take some time off from work and attend the meeting with the accountant, get access back to the bank, and try to work out what can be done to clawback the situation? Do not listen to anything your DP is telling you, speak to professionals who can offer real advice and support. Does the business have a future if you can get over this blip, or is it in a failing market? Is the business partner a useful ally?

LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 17:41

EmmaStone · 16/09/2023 15:18

I'm so sorry to hear this OP, what a horrible situation to find yourself. I'm so glad you're seeking help regarding your mental health and have support from good friends.

On the business side of things, are you able to take back some control here? Can you take some time off from work and attend the meeting with the accountant, get access back to the bank, and try to work out what can be done to clawback the situation? Do not listen to anything your DP is telling you, speak to professionals who can offer real advice and support. Does the business have a future if you can get over this blip, or is it in a failing market? Is the business partner a useful ally?

I just got back from my friend's house - who helped me formulate a plan. I've spoken to the accountant and finalised a time on Monday to meet, I've also spoken to the other director who will be there too. My lovely boss has just said to take the time off in lieu.

I've texted DH with the plan but no response as yet. Essentially I need to take control of the business and am going to speak to as many involved organisations as possible on Monday to relay that to them and ask that all communication comes via me.

OP posts:
LittleAnonymouse · 16/09/2023 17:42

But I have a plan in place to take us up to when Companies House make their decision, and dependent on what that is I will make a plan for the next stage.

OP posts:
JFDIYOLO · 16/09/2023 17:58

You need your army - your solicitor, accountant, boss, doctor - all the specialists who can advise and support you.

Discover exactly where you stand, legally, financially etc.

Rely on them.

Do not believe a word he says about anything. Assume he's lying on all things - it will save time.

He has never told you the truth about anything.

Lovecleansheets · 16/09/2023 18:07

Read thread and so pleased you are taking affirmative action, OP. You know deep down that you can and will get through all this - you are steel. Your DD is lucky to have you. I’m one of the those reading and sending unmumsnetty hugs. One step at a time and we will note each one with satisfaction and pride. Good luck.

Crikeyalmighty · 16/09/2023 18:28

Just a thing IP on the business front , you can reinstate a limited company - it costs around £1500 to do it.

We had this situation once but slightly different- we had a period of no activity on it and I forgot to file one year as dormant- but it was very much a ltd company we would normally use post covid and our bounce back was on it too- we got it reinstated and bank removed the blocks and demands.

In our case it was my fault.

I think you need to think of a bigger picture- do you still love him at all? If not then it may make sense to separate at this point anyway. If you do and don't want to split- I think you need to have a long discussion about this from both the practical angle and the going forward angle.

EmmaStone · 16/09/2023 19:17

Brilliant planning OP, you've got this.

EyeRolling23 · 16/09/2023 19:40

Hi OP. If they have struck the company off the register there is no discretion for companies house to reverse it, but you can apply to the court for it to be reinstated to the register.
You need proper legal advice as this isn't an automatic process. Happy to try and help if you have questions off the record-PM me if so.

Totally agree you need to take control and kick him to the curb. He may be depressed, but sounds like this isn't the first time he has lied or been a shit, and he's loving the sympathy and care from "taking responsibility" , when what he is actually doing is crying woe is me. The time to take responsibility has long since passed.

You sound very strong, so you'll get through this and be better off without him. I have no doubt

LittleAnonymouse · 17/09/2023 15:26

EyeRolling23 · 16/09/2023 19:40

Hi OP. If they have struck the company off the register there is no discretion for companies house to reverse it, but you can apply to the court for it to be reinstated to the register.
You need proper legal advice as this isn't an automatic process. Happy to try and help if you have questions off the record-PM me if so.

Totally agree you need to take control and kick him to the curb. He may be depressed, but sounds like this isn't the first time he has lied or been a shit, and he's loving the sympathy and care from "taking responsibility" , when what he is actually doing is crying woe is me. The time to take responsibility has long since passed.

You sound very strong, so you'll get through this and be better off without him. I have no doubt

Thankyou @EyeRolling23 - I may just do that (message you). He has now been told that I am taking over and he is accepting of this, so that's a start.

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 17/09/2023 17:05

@LittleAnonymouse yes I should have added to my post that this isn't a companies house process- it's a court process, it did cost a reasonable whack and it's not automatic - but I managed to do it quite easily and found out how to do so by googling.

LittleAnonymouse · 17/09/2023 17:08

OK, I'll get onto that tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. I'm also corralling him down to the Drs tomorrow. Funnily enough, I just found a 1/2 used pack of Venlafaxine in our tablet box in the kitchen whilst I was filling up DD's and my pillboxes for the week (she has a couple of tablets a day, I have about 10 at the moment!). They certainly aren't mine or DDs.

OP posts:
Seychal · 17/09/2023 17:25

@LittleAnonymouse As others have said, depending on the circumstances you can get the company reinstated.

Who has voting control? If you and the silent partner have control you can remove your DH. This is not a domestic issue, it is a hard and fast company law issue. Safeguarding the assets of the company for creditors and then shareholders is a fiduciary duty. You will most certainly need to speak to the bank on the loans and explain the situation. They may say you were still negligent despite your husband's failings because as a director you have a duty of care.

You will also need to consider if, because of the lack of financial information being available, your DH has been using company money inappropriately. Has private spending been booked as a business expense for example. If so a voluntary disclosure to HMRC may need to be made to protect you and the company from prosecution. Whether your DH joins in with that or not is for him to decide - he would be advised to.

Good luck in every way whatever you decide! You are clearly strong enough to get through this.

Lonelyandupset · 17/09/2023 17:31

I am so sorry he has done this to you. Because he has. His actions have caused you to feel this way. It's shit, he's a shit. But. There is a happy, stress free, calm future for you, away from him. You will never feel the urge to cut yourself. He has done this to you. Life without this drama and pain is one decision away. Take it. Be free.

MariaAshley · 17/09/2023 17:33

PP above is right OP. I didn't want to say yesterday when you were so fragile, but as director you can be held responsible if he's done anything criminal regarding the money. As a company director you have to keep abreast of what's going on financially, for your own sake. I hope you can work something out to save the company, even if you decide to close it down or sell it at a later date, if running a company isn't the right choice for your family at this time. You'll sleep easier knowing it didn't close with debts. I hope the meeting goes well for you tomorrow and the silent partner can be of some help to you.

Seychal · 17/09/2023 17:37

I did not mean to be harsh @LittleAnonymouse . Having read @MariaAshley post I think I may have been. What I was trying to suggest is there is an opportunity. If you want to rescue the company you now have a little bit of power, but ultimately it will be down to the controlling shareholder(s) to remove your DH in the short term. I appreciate lots of domestic issues could follow from that. This is why family companies need well run families to run them.

LittleAnonymouse · 17/09/2023 17:48

Not harsh - realistic. I need to find out from him if he has financed anything personally through the business. I certainly hope not. The silent partner and I collectively hold majority shares, so that's something I guess. Tomorrow's plan is meeting with accountant, speak to the bank and companies house to get me down as primary contact (also need to discuss or set up a meeting to discuss debts etc with the bank and explain the current circumstances), get DH a Dr’s appointment, start the ball rolling with legal advice and a court application.

OP posts: