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Relationships

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Slowly breaking

6 replies

ThcntfMntcrst · 15/01/2014 12:41

Name changed as DP is also mumsnetter, just need to type something really. Feeling down.

 A bit of background: DP had a very abusive marriage before we got together, pretty much ticked every box going. We had been very close friends for years, I moved in to help out with DSD. Things happened that surprised us and everyone else, quite a big change especially for her parents who aren't the most supportive shall we say, and after a period of not sure what we started going out. 

After we got closer she started to tell me what went on in her marriage, already knew about her ex, referred to as twunt from here, spending money and lying about it, not doing anything to help with DSD and generally being manipulative saying he didn't love her. She told me all the other stuff, and we agreed she should go to women's aid get legal help and counselling. She also had a very demanding Uni course, though with a guaranteed job at the end, that was piling on the pressure. This all lead to a pretty major breakdown about a year ago, what with realising how bad things had been, money worries, her parents giving no emotional support if they disagreed with her and her Uni offering no support just saying either do it or postpone.

All of this was hard, in the space of a few months I had a partner I loved with suicidal depression, in laws who are frosty at the best of times and downright rude at others, a toddler DSD who I love more than I can say and a mortgage. I changed to a full time job as soon as I could, it's hard work for little pay, but the best I could find right now and it just makes ends meet. DP's depression was worse, and I did wobble finding it hard to take care of her, DSD, work etc means I have little time for my self. I told DP about this and was told I wasn't allowed to fall apart right then, needed to support her and our family. So I did, a few bad days occasionally where I just wanted to sob, or found myself standing close to the platform edge, but have managed so far.

 Things started to get better, DP got diagnosed with PTSD and is getting help with that, and the depression and anxiety seemed to be lifting. Started to see my best friend and the love of my life again, most energy is being put into helping her recover still, so I still feel like I'm not really on the radar but that's ok. We prepared for her to return to uni, and even of starting a family of own together, DSD is baby obsessed so brought it to the forefront of our minds. 

  Uni sort of sprung DP going back on her, saying last Wednesday could she start this Monday. Stressful but we agreed she should, today is meant to be her first proper day, this morning she just said she can't. Rolled over in bed just saying I'm not doing it. Nothing I can say will convince her otherwise, tried everything from pushing her by saying it will be fine and she can't put it off much more, to compromising and even begging her to go. She shouted at me, saying she just needed me to support her decision and I knew nothing about it. I gave her a hug and asked her just try it for a day, even a half day to get a informed opinion at least, I got a very uninspiring maybe. Then childminders came for DSD, and she went back to bed.

  I don't know why I have included all this, don't know what I expect or even if I want a reply I just needed to say that right now I feel so worn. It has been the best, but also the hardest, year of my life to get to this point and I don't know if I can do it again. She can say that I am not allowed to brake down, but when I plead for her just to do one day, it's a no. I offer to help call people, wright emails but it is always put off, and all of a sudden I can't do it anymore today. I just have no drive to go to work, can't even force myself, just want to cry. I don't know if I want to have a child with her, DSD is hard work, looking after the two of them tires me out to the point where I just don't want to exist some times. That was fine when I felt decisions where made together, but today I feel like I am just here as a support not a partner. 

 I am worried exactly the same would happen if she got stressed while pregnant, and I just... Can't take another year of it right now. I just don't know, maybe it will be better in the morning. Sorry if this makes no sense. Like I said, just needed to write it, better than internalising it all, and either feeling angry or too sad for words.
OP posts:
desperatelyseekingsolace · 15/01/2014 18:09

Sorry you are going through this it sounds awful. You sound like a very supportive partner and your DP sounds lucky to have you.

I have to say that while your DP has clearly been through a lot and is right to demand your support, it sounds like you are doing most of the giving in this relationship at the moment. Maybe her needs have been greater than yours but it won't help either of you if you become her carer indefinitely.

In the short term I would try to get some counselling to provide a sounding board -- you sound seriously depressed and need help with this and it would probably help to be able to bounce this off someone who has no involvement in this situation.

I think you should then, gently, say to your DP that while you love her and will always be there for her, you need a bit of love/support/attention/down time as well and she needs to be aware of the long-term impact on your relationship if your needs are neglected as well.

You obviously are very loving and supportive and that's a great quality but don't allow yourself to be subsumed into the needs of your partner, however tough its been for her.

ThcntfMntcrst · 15/01/2014 23:52

Thank you for your reply desperatly have had a talk with DP, and she gets it, just hard right now. She has recently changed her medication, which probably caused this morning, it is just so... Even when I'm not I feel the bad guy.

  DP apologised whole heartedly for snapping at me this morning, in the most lovely way, saying of courses it was fine, I find it hard and need to deal in any way I can. She wishes she could support me, but accepts that in reality that if I lean on her it will likely cause her to regress which causes me much more pain, and that this is one hell of a raw deal my end. Of course her being so lovely while going through all of this makes me feel like the biggest arse hole alive (after aforementioned twunt of course) who should stop whining and be there for this amazing woman. 

  It's just a crap situation I guess, all round. We all feel at the same time that we are going under and cross at the other person that it is happening. While also noticing that the other person is going down and being so cross at ourselves for not being able to save them. Logically it seems bollocks, but I just need to tell myself it is ok feel what I feel and not beat myself up about it. Posting here has helped, it gets my mind in order, helps me sort out the emotional jumble. 

  I may be able to get some counselling through my work, I will look into it. Does anyone else find it this hard supporting a partner with depression, any of this ring true, or is it just me? Surprising how much typing this helps so come one come all etc, worst case scenario misery loves company, cliche cliche, etc. etc.
OP posts:
LineRunner · 16/01/2014 00:09

OP, so sorry. I don't think you should have a child with this partner.

You sound drained.

FluffyJumper · 16/01/2014 01:20

I think that dealing with someone with depression must be one of the most difficult sorts of relationships so I'm sure what you feel is normal. It sounds like a lot of hard work.

paxtecum · 16/01/2014 07:00

OP: I'm sorry you are in such a situation.

My only advice is that another baby would be madness.

Please ensure that your DP won't get pregnant.

Best wishes to you all.

EirikurNoromaour · 16/01/2014 09:58

Pax I think both of them are women, am I right? So not much chance of unexpected pregnancy. OP please put the baby idea out of your head. Your dp is depressed and traumatised and currently very self absorbed. Maybe in a few years if she recovers but not now.

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