It's predictable ....

[NewYearNewThinking]

I am just so unhappy - this is impacting on my relationship with my DC.

Please don't respond. I'm ok - just having a boo is me moment and wanted to log it somewhere for me to check back in on .....

Off load to us, it's why we're here :) We aren't saying that you need to speak to people in RL because we don't want to help you, we're saying it because you need someone to hold you, hug you and listen to you - face to face, or at the very least over the phone. There must be one person you could talk to IRL, even over the phone.

I hope you get some sleep tonight.

Hope a brighter day dawns for you tomorrow. I am also in this situation - "Where does the love go?" find the thought of enforced single parenthood v. daunting but you can't have someone who doesn't want you!

No option at this stage is a good option. Doing nothing is not a good option if you're depressed, short-tempered with the children and everyone's enduring the effects of living with an alcohol abuser. Splitting up is not a good option because it's emotionally difficult, means upheaval for everyone & you having to be independent. However, the difference between the two is that you know for definite that the first option will never get any better. At least with the second you get a fresh start and there is the potential for a good outcome.

If it's any reassurance children are as resilient as you allow them to be. Be open with them, involve them in changes, make the 'new normal' as appealing as possible and they may surprise you in their response.

Any change takes courage. It may be embarrassing right now to admit the truth. It may feel like making it 'real' is burning a bridge. However, I am very sure indeed that the people in your life already know there's something terribly wrong and are simply waiting for you to talk to them. Good luck