Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Don't know what to do for the best...

3 replies

JemimaConfuddledDuck · 24/09/2013 15:54

DH suffers from depression. He also stuggles with his sleep. When he is depressed he is hideous to live with. Negative, angry, hateful, short tempered, shouty, full of self doubt etc. Truely awful. When he was suffering one of these episodes a couple of months ago, he had been drinking and came home and told me he was worried he was developing feelings for someone else. She is married (and 8 years younger than him and who he pointed out in the past is very pretty - seen picture and beg to differ tbh!). This is the person who I warned him to be careful with a few months ago. They are work colleagues but there were alot of non-work emails/text messages. To be fair, he did cut down on the messages/emails, as he could see why it could be misconstrued. I read the emails and if I were sending emails like that, I would be aiming for something more than friends IYSWIM. DH is in a professional position and I can see why she would be impressed with his status (I realise that makes me sound like a snob, but I don't mean it that way).

At the same time he told me about his worries about developing feelings for someone else, he was also questioning what love actually means. (not sure whether I should be pleased he was honest in telling me about things, rather than acting on his potential future feelings) At this point, apart from being furious, I really just wanted to delve into why he was feeling like this. We sat and had a talk and he told me he is in constant conflict with his work, i.e. when he earns decent money, he feels guilty for doing this, but without the money we couldn't have the lifestyle we have etc. etc. I think he feels a bit trapped and is worried about getting older. I do think there is an element of mid life crisis happening too.

I didn't really know what to do as we have one dc and we have been trying for another. To be honest, he is not the best dad in the world, can be snappy and overreact to things, but, he is not abusive by any means. I think he struggles with people's perception of him and wants everything to run smoothly and is embarrassed if our toddler kicks off in public (I, on the other hand, am imune to this now!). I think he is constantly striving for perfection and struggles when things are not going right, where as I am a glass half full type of person and try and see the positives in situations.

After the last couple of months, I have put in less effort as I feel betrayed and angry and downright pissed off that he thinks so little of our family. Part of me (a very big part) wants to tell him to p*ss off if he doesn't want to be part of our lives, and we will be better off without him. He's not supportive in many ways, other than financially (I realise that sound coldhearted, but he works extremely long hours and very hard, and he only seems to get validation from his work, which is where he puts in the effort, which is partly why i take care of things at home so he is able to do that).

We did have a chat the other day and he said he didn't know why he said the things he did as he doesn't have feelings for anyone else and loves me and dc to bits. He said he felt absolutely terrible at the time, and wondered if he just wanted to hurt me. He also said he wants to make it work. He now tells me when he gets an email/text from her. He is not able to totally cut contact due to work (and I am okay with that I think). I, on the other hand, am flipping from wanting it to work, to wanting to get out and start a new life with my children. I think the problem at the minute is I am pregnant and hormonal and I don't want to make a rash decision that is going to have an affect for the rest of mine and my childrens lives.

I am a strong person and am not concerned about being able to cope on my own, but I am concerned whether I am in the right frame of mind, to make such a momentus decision.

Well done if anyone has got to here Grin

OP posts:
hellsbellsmelons · 24/09/2013 16:14

Is your DH on medication for his depression?
This would be my first move if he isn't.
He needs to get it under control.

Not sure what to suggest regarding leaving/staying.
That really is your decision entirely.
Could you maybe just have a break from him for a little while.
Go to family or friends for a few days to get some head space and perspective?

CogitoErgoSometimes · 24/09/2013 16:18

I'm not surprised you're pissed off. I get told on here that I am a cold-hearted bitch when it comes to depression and it's a dreadful illness and partners should just suck it up and deal with it while the sufferer gets away with behaving any way they see fit 'because they can't help it'... But, if you take the diagnosis of depression out of your story, what you're left with is a pretty nasty, unsupportive, emotionally bullying man (he just wants to hurt you? he tells you about his 'nearly' affairs?) and you staring another 30, 40 or 50 years of misery in the face. I don't think anyone deserves that kind of treatment.

I'd honestly suggest you take a break for a few months. Let him live somewhere else and experience what life is like without him. Then think long and hard about what he has to do to earn his place back in the family. Does he see doctors about the depression? Take medication? And have they told him not to drink alcohol etc?

sisterofmercy · 24/09/2013 16:59

He should get discuss getting medical help for his depression with his GP and talk to some kind of counsellor or shrink who cannot be afraid of the things he says. This will take a load off his back and yours. He must stop self medicating with drink. He should do this for his own sake, not the relationship's. You will still benefit.

You also need to ask yourself what exactly you are getting out of this relationship? Is he ever fun (love usually takes care of itself)? Do you think it will ever change? Can you see yourself being able to weather the storms in order to get to the other side of his illness? Is he going to be able to adequately parent 2 dcs without help? You might be able to answer positively to those questions, in which case stay. If not then consider separation but only if you feel ready.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page