Should I leave before prison? I can’t go on

[Ladieunlucky]

So long story short and need guidance and no judgement. I have been suicidal so please be kind.

I have bi polar (recently diagnosed) and during a manic episode I stole a large amount of money from work. I handed myself into the police for this and have faced everything since. I of course lost my job, my friends and family. As well as reputation. The only people by myside is my partner and 15 year old daughter. Both who I’ve been honest with and know I’ve made a mistake. I am due to be sentenced at crown court at the end of Sept which could be custodial.

Unfortunately and probably expected the friendship group have excluded me, but not my partner. From weddings, events, wiped me from their lives. They haven’t asked me directly what has happened or know about my bipolar. There going on what they heard. I cannot leave the house, I am deeply ashamed, I live in hell not knowing if my mind will kill me this week. My question is this.

If I don’t get custodial will I ever live this down. Every where I go people know my mistake, friends don’t want to know me, I’m scared to go out. Would you move towns and start a fresh, end your relationship and support your daughter best you can (currently joint custody due to mental health). Will this ever be any different or will I constantly be judged. I cannot live like this.

I have bi polar (recently diagnosed) and during a manic episode I stole a large amount of money from work. I handed myself into the police for this and have faced everything since. I of course lost my job, my friends and family. As well as reputation. The only people by myside is my partner and 15 year old daughter. Both who I’ve been honest with and know I’ve made a mistake. I am due to be sentenced at crown court at the end of Sept which could be custodial.

you wouldn't have lost me as a friend or as a family member in these circumstances (you would have lost your job though). You did something wrong when in a manic phase and you did your best to face it and make amends.

I am not particularly Christian but I try to live my life by Matthew 25:31-46 as I think it is a good blueprint for a decent life - it's the sheep and the goats one - did you feed me when I was hungry etc. "Did you visit me in prison?" is one of the criteria for going to heaven. It is basically a litany of how do you treat the vulnerable. Of course there are people I wouldn't visit in prison - some crimes are heinous. this one isn't.

Don't make any rash decisions now. Just take it one step at a time. Take your time and work with your partner to decide the best thing for the three people who matter - you, your partner and your daughter.

I wish you the best of luck.

This makes me so sad and I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It's tragic that rather than attempting a degree of compassion and understanding your "friends" and community have instead resorted to an almost medieval form of exclusion.

This mob mentality and collective punishment is horrible.

If it means anything to you, if you were a good friend to me, I would not break a friendship over this.

I've been in your shoes. And I made two attempts because of it.

You're likely to get a suspended sentence and rehabilitation days with the probation service. They're really helpful, especially with MH.

Tbh, I did move away and cut everyone off. I don't regret doing that and it was the right thing for me.

You'll be okay. You really will. Said from someone on the other side.

If gino can rob someone and be forgiven so much to lead a famous life, it will pass. Everyone makes mistakes. Take your punishment and move on as if you don't then how can others? Hand hold