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Burnt out by husband’s problems

1 reply

CeciliaMars · 03/10/2026 10:27

Not sure if this is the right place to put this, but here we go. I have been married for 15 years, have 3 kids. Shortly after we got married, my husband had a nervous breakdown and had to leave the corporate world. He has had periods of not working and I helped him set up a business which he does part time. About five years ago, he started having physical problems that meant his mobility was declining at a rapid rate. For years, we didn’t know what was going on, despite loads of tests. His works shrunk understandably - he stopped socialising and because fitness had been his hobby, he stopped doing anything other than being at home and his very part time job. Fast forward and we found out what was wrong - he has just had a hip replacement and we are in the thick of his recovery. But I just feel after 12 years of supporting him through mental health problems, physical problems, unemployment or little employment, while I work full time and carry all the mental load, that I have no sympathy left. I feel burnt out. But however tired or miserable I am, he is more tired and miserable so I never feel looked after. I can’t see the wood for the trees - is this the end of our marriage? Or should I see if things are better once he’s recovered from his operation? I am desperate for some kind of normal life that doesn’t revolve around his health. Thank you for reading.

OP posts:
SnappyPenguin · 03/10/2026 10:33

I would sit him down and explain how you feel and ask if he thinks things will now improve and make a decision from there.

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