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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:
PaminaMozart · 19/09/2023 07:20

I agree with everything that @MariaAshley said.

It must be impossible right now not to worry about him, but do keep trying. Chances are he is holed up in a hotel somewhere, spending more cash he doesn't have.

Keep reminding yourself: he only thought of himself when he created and then concealed this awful mess.

What caring husband and father goes away golfing and going to strip clubs as his family's world is collapsing...

EyeRolling23 · 19/09/2023 12:55

So sorry it's come to this. Please get a good insolvency practitioner in and be honest with them and or get some legal advice for you. This will be rubbish, but you will get through it. I know you love him, and that's ok, but don't let him pull you down with him- you are better than that.

LittleAnonymouse · 19/09/2023 14:34

So the police found him. He was suicidal, in the woods. He is a broken broken man, I certainly don't think it's an act.

Had very useful meeting with the insolvency practitioner. The other director and I are doing what we need to do and awaiting details re the viability of carrying the business forward ourselves under a new name. There is so so much work to do, and am struggling today on about 45 minutes sleep.

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 19/09/2023 15:05

I totally understand how you feel. Keep strong for your children and yourself- this will pass but at the time it feels horrendous.

hellohelp · 19/09/2023 15:28

Have they taken him to family or a friend?
Listen, you need to focus on you right now.
You cannot forget that you are also massively struggling with your mental health and one of you has to keep it together for your daughter.

It's not you who's out wandering in the woods.
You're home. Trying to get things organised, looking after your dd, phoning the Samaritans, worrying about him and probably close to a breakdown

What support IRL do you have?

MeAgainPeeps · 19/09/2023 16:00

LittleAnonymouse · 19/09/2023 14:34

So the police found him. He was suicidal, in the woods. He is a broken broken man, I certainly don't think it's an act.

Had very useful meeting with the insolvency practitioner. The other director and I are doing what we need to do and awaiting details re the viability of carrying the business forward ourselves under a new name. There is so so much work to do, and am struggling today on about 45 minutes sleep.

Have you stopped him having access to company funds now?

JFDIYOLO · 19/09/2023 16:59

Do you have people? Parents, siblings, friends? People you could rely on?

And his family and friends need to take charge of him now. Not your responsibility.

All the very best to you and your child.

LittleAnonymouse · 19/09/2023 17:19

Have you stopped him having access to company funds now?

Yes, he no longer has access to any. There are a small amount of o/s things that we need his guidance on for the insolvency process, but we will do them with his input.

I've got friends I can lean on and my brother is someone else I'm close to who is supporting me.

OP posts:
MeAgainPeeps · 19/09/2023 20:09

LittleAnonymouse · 19/09/2023 17:19

Have you stopped him having access to company funds now?

Yes, he no longer has access to any. There are a small amount of o/s things that we need his guidance on for the insolvency process, but we will do them with his input.

I've got friends I can lean on and my brother is someone else I'm close to who is supporting me.

I'm glad you have support @LittleAnonymouse.

MariaAshley · 19/09/2023 20:32

@hellohelp the police will have arrested him under some mental health act (basically behaving weirdly in public) and taken him to either A&E or the local psychiatric hospital, depending on what time of day or night they found him. Unless he talked himself out of it and convinced them he was perfectly ablevto keep himself safe, but I don't think that's very likely given what the police told OP. He won't be in any trouble, the arrest is for his own welfare and what they have to do to get him help. He'll be in A&E until seen by the duty psychiatrist. If he can't keep himself safe he'll be sent to the local psychiatric hospital/ward for observation and may be discharged next day if he's over the worst or kept longer if they feel it's necessary. Same if he was taken straight to the psychiatric hospital last night. If they want him to stay and he agrees he'll be there as a voluntary admission which means he has some say in meds/treatment etc. If he refuses voluntary admission or if he tries to abscond whilst on voluntary admission, he'll be sectioned if they think he needs to stay and brought back by police if he absconds. If he doesn't want to stay or if they don't think it's necessary, they may agree to discharge him with access to the crisis team which is likely to mean someone popping by each day to see how he is and check he's taken his meds. You did the right thing calling the police OP, it could be DH needs some monitoring until the AD's take effect. As daft as it sounds the fact you've kicked him out will help him to get the assistance he needs, otherwise he'd be unofficially seen as your problem to deal with/support, which given the state of affairs right now isn't what's best for you or him.

hellohelp · 19/09/2023 23:28

That is what I thought they would do @MariaAshley. I hope they would take him somewhere other than home right now as op doesn't need him wailing around the house while she tries to keep it together one day at a time. If he has other support that's who should be with him. Just in case op thinks she has an obligation. After all of this, you don't.

BIossomtoes · 19/09/2023 23:41

Thinking of you @LittleAnonymouse. The way you’re dealing with this mess is so impressive, I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you.

LittleAnonymouse · 20/09/2023 06:32

BIossomtoes · 19/09/2023 23:41

Thinking of you @LittleAnonymouse. The way you’re dealing with this mess is so impressive, I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you.

Thank you that's really nice of you to say. I don't think I'm being particularly impressive though. Was lying here at 4:30 crying whilst my brain span about a million miles per hour with all the things I need to do, deadlines, unknowns (which affect the next decision to be made), paying for the roof over our head and the bills when income has just reduced by about 3/4 overnight.

It's terrifying.

Bloody hate night times at the moment.

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 20/09/2023 06:39

@LittleAnonymouse You are impressive, you will deal with this and in a years time you’ll look back and be very proud of yourself. Keep remembering you aren’t alone, you’re surrounded by people who will help you will this, if things are swirling in your mind in the middle of the night, think about who can help you will that problem -accountant/brother/friend and try to put it out of your mind until you can actually speak to them.

LittleAnonymouse · 20/09/2023 06:41

Have to say - you lot are coming up trumps on the support front too, feel like I've got a gang of strong (albeit faceless) women shouting me on from the sidelines. Thank you.

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 20/09/2023 06:53

@LittleAnonymouse Mn can be great.

I always remember a poster telling someone in a very tricky situation to “put your big girl pants on” I often think about it when I’m about to face something I don’t want to, and think of all the amazing women on Mn who would be so supportive. It’s worked for me many times over the years.

SurprisedWithAHorse · 20/09/2023 07:23

I'm so so sorry you're going through this, OP. Life is so shit and unfair sometimes.

But please, please don't harm yourself. Your daughter needs you. She wouldn't want you to do anything like that even if she's not in the house at the time.

You've heard about terrible situations like this and people do come through. There is help available, solutions available. It's a horrifying feeling but there IS a way out and you WILL get through it. It is shit but it's the kind of shit that does happen, isn't actually that unusual and there are ways out. Breathe, keep calm, carry on. One day, one thing, at a time.

pickledandpuzzled · 20/09/2023 07:23

Good gracious. I've just arrived and I'm massively impressed with you, OP. I thought at the start, thank goodness she has a 'proper' job, she can get out and start again, but no you are taking control and responsibility of the whole thing!

You are feeling overwhelmed by an overwhelming situation- that's entirely natural. Your determination, self awareness and flexibility in the face of massive challenges is inspirational, it really is. You've kept compassion for your husband, are carrying on focusing on your DD, behaving responsibly in your 'proper' employment- and getting help with the one bit you are struggling with, looking after yourself.

Well done. That's some serious ability you have!

Make sure you do small things just for you- little treats and moments of mindfulness that value you. Flowers

JFDIYOLO · 20/09/2023 09:03

How are you doing?

💐🫂💐🫂💐🫂💐🫂💐🫂💐🫂

So impressed with you.

He's safe with the professionals and hopefully he has family of his own, so he's in the best place right now and you can turn your thoughts away from him.

Because right now you have a little child who depends on you.

So your focus is on self care first so you can then care for her.

Sleep, eating well, hydrating, fresh air, routine will all help you help her. Can your GP help?

You've mentioned you have family and friends to help you - so important they understand exactly what's happened. Be open and honest about what you need.

I hope the comments are helping you, making you feel there's an invisible army at your side.

LifeInTheUK · 20/09/2023 09:32

I’m amazed at the way you are doing all of that.
From the worry you had right at the start for all the employees, to sorting out what is a really HUGE issue with the company, dealing with your DH who is suicidal. The list go on.

And you are doing it in a calm and measured way.
You found support in RL, contacted the right people, moved forward to sort it all out.

And yes I’m sure it doesn’t feel like that to you. I’d say it would be quite worrying if it was tbh.

But please believe us when we say the way you are handling the situation is fantastic.
i do hope you’ll find enough peace in the next few days to be able to sleep too. Lack of sleep is making everything 100x harder.

Iamlikesorry · 20/09/2023 17:44

So sorry you are going through this.

We had our business and we were good at what we did but we weren't cut out for self employment.

Everything imploded in a similar way, DH had been carrying it all, despite my suspicions and questions. He just couldn't own up to it and when it came to light, he expressed clear suicidal ideations. He went to the GP, and onto anti depressants and eventually his mental health stabilised.

We managed to sell the company but the long term financial implications were pretty massive for us. You definitely have much more control over the situation and a proper plan - I just went to pieces. Things might have been different if I'd got hold of it like you have.

Anyway, some years on, we both have good permanent careers, nice home and lifestyle. Nothing flashy. Still together, DC's doing well...health good. No credit cards!

I just couldn't imagine how we could live a normal life ever again - but we do.

Just take one day at a time and look after your health and wellbeing. Money will sort itself out in due course.

Crikeyalmighty · 20/09/2023 18:04

@Iamlikesorry I think it's good when people admit they have been through it all too. We had to liquidate a company due to an overseas distributor not paying up and at the time it felt horrendous - but we did get past it and built it back up bigger and better by teaming up with people in a stronger position than ourselves- however we both knew the score- so slightly different. We didn't own a house either, so that wasn't a risk

Iamlikesorry · 20/09/2023 23:41

We did own a house, and we currently don't. But even that's ok, though it seemed the worst thing ever at the time. And we're hoping to remedy that in the next few years.

Iamlikesorry · 20/09/2023 23:44

Crikeyalmighty · 20/09/2023 18:04

@Iamlikesorry I think it's good when people admit they have been through it all too. We had to liquidate a company due to an overseas distributor not paying up and at the time it felt horrendous - but we did get past it and built it back up bigger and better by teaming up with people in a stronger position than ourselves- however we both knew the score- so slightly different. We didn't own a house either, so that wasn't a risk

The shame felt lonely and awful and I agree, it does help to realise that you are not alone. Not the first and definitely not the last.

ConnieTucker · 21/09/2023 06:34

LittleAnonymouse · 20/09/2023 06:41

Have to say - you lot are coming up trumps on the support front too, feel like I've got a gang of strong (albeit faceless) women shouting me on from the sidelines. Thank you.

Youre doing so well. One day at a time.