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PART 2: I would rather die then leave, but I can't cope staying

317 replies

Forevertrappedhere · 03/05/2026 11:06

Original thread: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/feeling_depressed/5208090-i-would-rather-die-then-leave-but-i-cant-cope-staying

Lots happened. My Dad went into heart failure. My ex was being hell on earth and being with him it was easier to soothe him and stop the effects. So in October 2025 I went back. And now my life is over. I have lost hair from it being pulled out. The gaslighting is so so so so bad I cant see up from down. I have recordings now and still cant accept hes cruel or evil.

I know he is. He stands over me mocking me once he breaks me. He mocks the blood on the carpet. As I write this I am suffering a head injury and on the phone to 111. It happened a few days ago and today I woke up to 'racoon eyes' which google said needed A and E. As I am on hold he is mocking me, telling me how i will explain I got the injury for being a thick bitch. (without going into too much detail I was refusing a sex act, he held me down and something in my head went click and i passed out, was fine since bar a headache and now the eyes). He has refused to help with the kids and has instead given them TV since 6am (I cant sit up without puking) and one of them is ND and too much TV makes them VERY dysregualted. They are now dysregulated and he is screaming at them/whats wring with you comments etc.

I know I could go to the police or SS. But heres the thing. I cant' My head? Its gone, worse than before. I just feel guilty. Since the injury he has gaslit, lied, mocked me a hundred times. He has had fake conversations. He has fake hallucinated. He pretended to leave the kids unattended earlier so that I was forced to literally bum shuffle down the stairs to check on them and then he laughed his head off at me as i wretched and then gasped in pain at the wretching. I crawled back up the stairs and he mocked my giant arse (i am in PJ shorts). I cant explain the extremis of the mental abuse. I know he has drugged me recently and admitted it and said it is becyase I was nagging. I was asking him to confirm he was still collecting child from school and he wouldnt. So many things this week alone.

The thing is, I just feel guilty for not being able to appease him. I feel guilty for refusing the sex act which he then hurt me for. Becuase he was suspended from his new job today after 6 weeks there (for harassment, bullying and misconduct). Which is ironic. But i feel like i should have been understanding. On the flip side I feel insane. But its like an addiction. I even feel relief when he finally hits me after storming arounf the house slamming doors as i know hell be ok after.

I cant face family again. My kids deserve better. And I cant give it to them. I cant escape etiehr. I read and read, podcast after podcast, journal after journal. I cant escape him. He is in my head every second.

then he smiles at me and strokes my head and suddenly its ok, i can survive.

I CANT ESCAPE MY OWN HEAD. I CAN ESCAPE HIM BUT MY HEAD FOLLOWS AND I CANT STOP IT ANYMORE. ONCE IM AWAY THE FLASHBACKS ARE WORSE. I CANT COPE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND THE HELPLINES ARE SHIT AND THE NHS JUST DO TALKING THERAPY AND IM DONE IM DONE IM DONE IMD ONE IM SO DONE

I READ COMMENTS FROM THE OLD THREAD AND IVE LET THEM ALL DOWN TOO AND I DONT WANT TO BE A STATISTIC BUT I CANT DO IT AND I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO SAVE HIM BECAUSE HE DOESNT MEAN IT BUT HE DOES MEAN IT BECAUSE HES EVEN NASTY TO WORK NOW BUT IN MY HEAD THE SECOND HE STOPS ITS OK AND WORTH IT, ITS WORHT IT JUST DOR IT TO STOP

I would rather die then leave, but I can't cope staying | Mumsnet

I could write here forever. Endlessly. My husband and I have be together for 10 years. He is massively horrifically, unbearably abusive. He is al...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/feeling_depressed/5208090-i-would-rather-die-then-leave-but-i-cant-cope-staying

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Forevertrappedhere · 24/05/2026 09:18

Keep thinking its been 5 days since a crash, thats good, but the panic in my chest today is like a vice crushing my ribs. I want my husband, but not the real one :(

OP posts:
NZDreaming · 24/05/2026 11:09

@Forevertrappedhere its ok, anxiety and panic attacks are not logical or linear. You are doing so well and the time between these episodes of distress will get longer. Just focus on getting through the next hour, distract yourself as much as possible. If your mind is whirring in moments of silence or when trying to sleep then listen to a podcast or audiobook. Enjoy the sunshine, focus on what is real and tangible in front of you right now. You can do this

supersop60 · 24/05/2026 15:29

NZDreaming · 24/05/2026 11:09

@Forevertrappedhere its ok, anxiety and panic attacks are not logical or linear. You are doing so well and the time between these episodes of distress will get longer. Just focus on getting through the next hour, distract yourself as much as possible. If your mind is whirring in moments of silence or when trying to sleep then listen to a podcast or audiobook. Enjoy the sunshine, focus on what is real and tangible in front of you right now. You can do this

This ^^

Even those moments of tenderness that you are craving are not real. They were manipulation to keep you hooked.

Bananalanacake · 24/05/2026 15:55

Well done on getting the non mol. Your DC will be feeling better now he is away.

Getmeouttathismess · 25/05/2026 15:17

@Forevertrappedhere are you enjoying the long weekend?
I hope you ad your kids are keeping well

Ineffable23 · 25/05/2026 19:17

One day at a time @Forevertrappedhere . You can do it.

I find that finding things to smell or touch can be really helpful when I am anxious. Obviously you've got a lot going on and that might well not be enough but e.g. I love the smell of growing tomato plants, and I constantly stop to sniff the roses in people's gardens. I find those things can help to ground me in the moment.

thecatwontstopmakingbiscuits · 27/05/2026 20:55

How are you doing @Forevertrappedhere? If you’re still reading, I saw this thread today and thought it may bring you some comfort. If you just opt to read the OP’s posts, you’ll see the journey she has been on in the last 6 weeks. From knowing her husband was abusive but loving him and desperately wanting him back, to feeling free and seeing how much better her children are. It may provide some comfort or inspiration or solidarity. I really hope you are well. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5517759-police-action-after-101-call-has-left-us-separated-and-struggling-financially

Police action after 101 call has left us separated and struggling financially | Mumsnet

Long story short! I completed a 101 form last week looking for advice regarding my home situation. I was hoping for signposting as following years of...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5517759-police-action-after-101-call-has-left-us-separated-and-struggling-financially

Forevertrappedhere · 28/05/2026 11:06

SW is awful. No awareness of DV. He lied to her, evidence provided and nada. He has charmed her. So fucking sick of this. I'm done. Its a losing battle.

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 28/05/2026 11:13

Even though the police have evidence of what he did? Gosh, that sounds beyond stressful. Have you suggested the social worker gets in touch with the police?

Forevertrappedhere · 28/05/2026 11:16

Apparently they already have - they got the DAN report directly from them and want to know the kicker? He also 'self-reported' HIS OWN CONCERNS ABOUT HIMSELF!?!?!?!

ARGH!!! He is VERY VERY good at charming people and I was always so worried this would happen.

OP posts:
Getmeouttathismess · 28/05/2026 12:22

I don't understand SW....if you got a non mol order, and they spoke to the police, what else do they want? That's infuriating!

Forevertrappedhere · 01/06/2026 07:36

Feeling a bit better today x

OP posts:
Itsanewdawnitsanewdayitsanewlife4me · 01/06/2026 07:39

@Forevertrappedhere that is good to hear. You will get better and stronger the longer you are away from him. How are the kids coping?

NZDreaming · 01/06/2026 08:32

@Forevertrappedhere thats great, every day is a step forward.

thecatwontstopmakingbiscuits · 01/06/2026 13:18

Great to hear that @Forevertrappedhere. I’m sure you’ll have some awful days ahead too, it’ll be up and down but it’s brilliant that you’ve stayed away. What’s happening with the social worker and the police? If you feel up to sharing.

Iamnotalemming · 02/06/2026 15:53
Dance Cats GIF

That's good to hear, OP. Keep going.

EmmaOvary · Yesterday 15:45

Thinking of you, OP. How are you and the kids doing?

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