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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

Please help me. Desperate today.

33 replies

siblue · 30/08/2014 12:42

I am not sure anything anyone can say here can help me but I feel like giving up today and have no idea how to continue.

My partner who I was just about to marry ran off after we'd moved to a new country. He left me with my child (not his but had been his stepdad for 6 years so in my son's eyes his real Dad) and the whole thing happened from start to finish in the space of 10 minutes.

He didn't leave an explanation at the time (just over a year ago) but I ploughed the internet endlessly and the behavior matched roughly the "mid life crisis script" - only exception is no other woman ever appeared. Aside from that it had it all...rewriting history....illogical reasons given....completely changing personality suddenly...being cruel...blaming me. He ticked every box.

I read the book "Runaway Husbands" and it was exactly, word for word what I experienced.

At the time it was a shock because all was tickety boo as far as I knew and we'd only just moved a few weeks ago for a new life. It would be easier if we had been having problems but there were none I knew of. If anything he was a particularly devoted and really loving. More so than most partners by far. I thought we were much happier than most people.

I know after a year I should have healed better or faster than I have, but he left me for such a long time with no explanation, it was a kind of limbo. Then he kept coming back and (appearing very sincere and heartbroken himself) told me he still loved me and could not live without me - only to do it again. the cycle repeated four times.

I stayed in the new place we moved to alone, even though I am so lonely, hoping he'd come back and just really believing he would. I was in denial for six months, then I was in anger, but now I seem to have sunk into the lowest state I have ever been and see no hope in life, no way to ever feel better or to live with all of this and pick myself up.

I still talk to him and am ashamed to say still sometimes end up in bed with him. Since all this happened he got diagnosed with depression. It'd make it easier to let go if he was running around town with bimbos but he's not. He's lost a lot of weight and seems as unhappy as I am but for whatever reason he decided he didn't want me and more than a year on still feels that way so I know I have to face facts and move on.

I know all this makes me sound incredibly weak and needy but it's just been really hard. I know you will all think there is someone else - but there isn't.

He created a lot of financial problems because we didn't earn enough to live separately so I have been in a really bad money situation. I know I have to move back to a place where I know people because all I do is cry alone, but don't have money and have no energy to look for a job back home.

Please don't flame me, but I have been a shit mother. I know I don't speak much, I am very quiet and I am always "tired". I used to be a really good Mum and I see the effect all this is having on my poor child. We used to have a really good life. My poor son lost his stepdad (who he was really close to) and he needs me but all I want to do is just die. He has comfort eaten and gotten overweight and is now being teased in school. Please don't shout at me, I know how disgusting I am. I am loving to my son and take care of his needs but it is like I am the walking dead.

Please help me. I can't endure much more and feel so much like my son would be better off without me.

I don't need to be told that I need to focus on practical steps. I do know this but can't do it. What I need is motivation to do that so I need to feel hope.

Please tell me is there hope after such devastation for people? Has anyone ever found happiness again after feeling like they lost something so important or come to terms with someone they love just going?

OP posts:
EllaFitzgerald · 30/08/2014 12:51

You are not disgusting at all. You've been put through something horrible. But please don't believe that your DS would be better off without you. That simply isn't true.

Do you have any support at all where you are? And are your family at home in a position to offer you practical support?

siblue · 30/08/2014 12:56

No, I don't really know anyone here. He did this right after we moved in so since then I've not really been fit to mix with others. I'm a hermit really and find it hard to talk to people. I wasn't like that at all before. I was confident and happy go lucky. I know the isolation doesn't help.

My friends and family are far away but they do keep in contact and at least one person calls me every day. I just try not to let on how desperate I am so they don't feel worried. I don't want to be more of a burden than I already have and they have put up with this situation for so long.

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 30/08/2014 12:57

There is hope, of course there is. However, what strikes me is that your confidence and self-esteem have been severely shaken by the experience.... hence all the self-reproach about being a 'shit mother', 'disgusting' and also why you stay in contact, sleeping with him etc. You sound incredibly depressed which is quite understandable given what you describe. Clinical depression can be treated.

If you're genuinely thinking that people would be better off without you then please get medical advice urgently. In the meantime, please cease all contact with your ex because, whatever MH issues he claims to be suffering from, all he's doing is screwing with your mind.

EllaFitzgerald · 30/08/2014 13:02

Cogito is absolutely right.

I think you should talk to your friends and family about how you're feeling. You aren't a burden. Let them help you. They're probably worrying already because they'll know that things aren't right.

siblue · 30/08/2014 13:03

Do doctors take your kids away if you are depressed?

OP posts:
JustDontWantToSay · 30/08/2014 13:10

Yes. Yes yes yes there is hope. A far better life is waiting for you - you just need the strength to get there.

I agree with others - please try and stay away from your ex - and I know how hard that can be!!! But you need to value yourself - not rely on others for your self-esteem. I'm going through exactly that at the moment and I still rely on men's opinions of me to feel good about myself. I know it's wrong and silly but I just can't break that link.

Anyway, one day you will look back at this and it will just be a distant memory. If you're not on anti-depressants then maybe you should be. And be honest with your family and friends back home - they won't think you're a burden, they will want to help. Don't struggle on alone. Not that you will now because you've got all of us on MN Smile

JustDontWantToSay · 30/08/2014 13:10

No they don't!! I speak from experience.

DozyDotes · 30/08/2014 13:14

Hi Op, lots of people with depression are perfectly good parents and their children aren't taken away. In my experience asking for help is seen as a sign of strength. You've already started doing that by posting here. I think if you speak to doctors and friends you'll find that they really want to help.

SavoyCabbage · 30/08/2014 13:20

It sounds like you would like to move back home so you are not so isolated. I think it's easy to become depressed when you haven't got your friends and family around you.

It's not a failure. It's circumstantial.

Optimist1 · 30/08/2014 13:21

As Ella says, you need to talk to your friends or family; from your OP it seems that the one who calls you daily might have an inkling that you're struggling quite a lot. Could you be entirely frank with that person and ask for help in formulating a practical plan? Making these daily calls shows that the caller loves and cares for you. Reach out and ask for some practical support.

Presumably your ideal scenario would be for you and your son to return to your home country. It's possible that the cost of returning could be funded by family, and that accommodation could be provided for you both until you're in a position to set up a place of your own. Being out of the place (physical and emotional) you're in now will improve your spirits and increase your energy without a doubt.

There is hope; you have still got the strength to pull yourself and your son out of this. I wish you well.

rumred · 30/08/2014 13:28

Can you make plans to return home? and as a priority see a doctor about your depression. anti depressants can offer a welcome break from misery thus giving you a chance to sort stuff out that seems insurmountable. and of course counselling can give you some support and perspective. children will not be removed due to parental depression in my (extensive social work) experience.

SavoyCabbage · 30/08/2014 13:33

We don't know where she is though so it's hard to advise on what will happen.

DozyDotes · 30/08/2014 13:38

I agree with Ella. You mentioned that you're really a confident and happy go lucky person. That person is still there. She's just a but buried under a pile of isolation and rotten circumstances at the moment. I wish you all the best finding her again.

DozyDotes · 30/08/2014 13:40

Sorry, I meant to say I agree with Savoy but Ella's post was excellent too Grin

siblue · 30/08/2014 13:55

I know moving is best. Just been away so long (we travelled) that I'm feeling lost. Have family and friends scattered and just need to make a choice. Am sure family and friends can help me

OP posts:
WellWhoKnew · 30/08/2014 13:57

You seemed to be in a dreadful cycle of hurt and probably feel that everything has spiralled out of control?

Is it a case that there are days when it all feels too much, and you lack the energy to do anything, and then you reproach yourself for not doing anything and then you get angry at him, and then it all feels too much?

I could have written your post myself - I was abandoned four months ago, and I am busy selling up my whole life as I knew it (we had a business together). He has become a cunt of the highest order but I do worry about his mental health.

There are some things I am doing that makes things easier:

  1. Tell the world - my neighbours have been utterly fabulous at trying to help. People are genuinely compassionate and supportive. It is priceless. Someone knocking on my door to give me a marrow can make my day!

  2. I have a 'life coach' and each week we set targets for me to accomplish, and try to find solutions to everyday matters (e.g. just getting the house clean, getting some things sold). It costs me £40 per week for an hour's session but it's invaluable at helping me understand why I feel the way I do and getting me through the tougher moments. You might not have one around, but many of them do telephone/skype appointments.

  3. Do not have any contact with my husband. This is my time to heal and get myself a new life. Every time he pops into my world, I feel dreadful for days after.

  4. Speak to a doctor about taking anti-depressants or beta blockers. There's nothing to be ashamed of about taking medicine to get you through a tough period. If you were physically damaged you'd take painkillers, after all. You have been dreadfully damaged emotionally, remember.

  5. Keep a diary, or use this thread to write. It helps you look back and remember where you started from, and what progress you are making.

I know first hand how hard this is - you're not alone, there's tons of us around just putting one foot in front of the other until things get better. There's tons of women around who have the most amazing lives now. Believe them it will happen but first stop the cycle of self-abuse. You are absolutely normal in how you are feeling, but fight the voice in your head that says you deserve all this shit. You don't. Try as best you can to stop being hard on yourself. Take care.

mumtosome61 · 30/08/2014 14:08

Firstly - stop beating yourself up for something that you had no control over. You are in a foreign place, living alone AND dealing with a tramautic, unexpected breakup. Those factors, on their own are pretty stressful situations, so be more compassionate to yourself. Yes, things could be better, or you could be handling things better but couldn't we all?

There is no timescale for getting over people. Some take weeks, some take far longer. Because it was unexpected, you are lacking closure from the relationship; the checking out period should be where you were able to control what happened too, instead of your partner calling the shots. Instead, like you said, it happened within 10 mins.

Perhaps he is suffering from a mid life crisis. He has been diagnosed with depression, but that doesn't excuse him behaving inappropriately. You ex should NOT be inviting you back to his bed, telling you he still loves you/appearing sincere and then 'dumping' you all over again. I suspect you are allowing it to happen for two reasons; 1) the breakup was not what you wanted/feelings or hopes may be still there and 2) your confidence is at an all time low - in the past you'd recognise the pattern of make up/break up sex/affection but now, you'll do anything to make it like before? Either way - your ex should not be indulging this. It is causing your emotional turmoil and is shifting the goal posts each time he contacts you, and that is not fair. Alongside this, he's also allowed you to become financially worse off from him leaving - although I understand depression is very difficult to manage, it doesn't give someone the right to cause you both emotional and financial distress. It does happen and it may not be his intent, but he is still facilitating your mental state, which sounds very much like depression to.

I know this may not be what you want to hear, but are you in denial about other women? People can, when needed, be decietful; your ex is already putting his own needs above yours by leaving you. He may see you struggling and feel that if he was to admit to other women it would make you feel worse. He isn't being considerate to you now, at the very least.

As for your relationship with your son; he is probably going through his own emotional distress at losing his 'real' Dad - it's an alienating situation, especially if a boy loses his father figure, the one who is essentially guiding him. So please do not blame yourself for your son's reaction - the person who should be accountable first and foremost is your ex - has your ex spoken to you son, or explained his decision? It sounds like you both need to heal, together and in your own ways.

Your son would NOT be better off without you. He would have lost TWO parents, and would be in a foreign country. You need to stick together and become a team - you'll have bad moments and there may be harsh words said, but your son needs you and you need him.

Practical steps - I'm not a lawyer/solicitor and not sure what country you are in.
However, if you have any joint assets, I would look at dividing and establishing who gets what, or who pays what. Speak to someone in a legal manner, get some advice too. I would then insist that if your ex needs to contact you, he does so through letter. No more e-mails, texts, social media, phone calls (unless urgent). Block, delete but before you do, I would instruct your ex that this is your plan, and for you both to move on you need him to comply. He'll probably beg you not to, but as weak as you feel, you can only get strong by acting strong initially, even if you don't feel it. Eliminate any situation (within reason) where your ex can just "pop" back into your life.

Go to your doctors about your mental wellbeing. Antidepressants need not be a long term option, but may help you get by for now. It is unlikely that your son would be removed from your care unless he was at significant risk of harm or neglect - as much as you think you are not doing a good job, you are doing what most people would be doing in your situation.

There is hope. There is so much hope - right now you are wounded, hurt, angry and confused about where you will be going next. You are in a position to do what you need to do to make you happy - the happy go lucky person will return and as with any challenging life experience, we usually learn a few things.

I hope nothing I've said has offended or upset you. Some of it is probably clinical, but you deserve to hear what may help you, even if initially it seems hard to read.

Best wishes Thanks (and sorry for the length)

siblue · 30/08/2014 14:08
Thanks
OP posts:
ttangerine · 30/08/2014 14:14

Your ex sounds like an arse. He is not worthy of you. Time for you to move on. It's hard on your son, but he's not actually his dad and your ds is still young and won't even remember him in a few years. You are FANTASTIC. Lots of people successfully parent a child on their own; you don't need your ex for that or anything else.

Really, your ex sounds an utter arse. You need lots of support from family, friends, maybe a counsellor - hard to be strong on your own. But write this utter loser out of your life.

siblue · 30/08/2014 14:29

Thanks for all the great advice and sorry to those who have been through similar. l am going to digest it and read over it but my son's waiting for me to make cupcakes and need to buy ingredients.

There's definitely not another woman. It's not denial, I checked up thoroughly on everything there and can be certain.

If I said I wouldn't talk to him again he'd not beg me he would just let me go. His depression has made him go all funny and he wants me to forget about him and move on and tells me I will find someone better. He seems to just get worse and worse.

It really helped to hear you all say I was not a bad Mum. That's the bit I feel worst about. Maybe I am a bit depressed but when the ex describes it I don't feel much like that at all.

He says he feels no feelings....I feel them all :(

OP posts:
Iconfuseus · 30/08/2014 17:30

Sorry to hear about what has happened.

I agree with the posters who say that you need to put a 'new life' plan in place and the quicker the better. If moving home, wherever you decide that might be, will be the best thing for you then do it.

I also think you have to stop using his depression to excuse his behaviour. I'm not saying that you have to be angry with him or loose your sense of compassion for him. However I have a mental health problem but it doesn't give me the right to treat my husband badly. Your depression doesn't give your ex the right to treat you like this either.

siblue · 30/08/2014 19:39

I know, I don't think it does. I just wish I felt better

OP posts:
Blu · 30/08/2014 20:01

Goodness, SiBlue, no wonder you are feeling trampled and down; he has trampled all over your life, your emotions, everything. And while ever he was coming and going he was taking away your ability to look at a different life or look after yourself .

It doesn't matter whether there was no other woman, 17 girlfriends or a herd of pink unicorns : the upshot is the same. He is no longer a reliable loving partner to you. So waste no more time and energy on the whys and wherefores. Irrelevant at this stage. Ditto his depression. Nothing to do with you , you really can't help, and if you keep trying you will drown.

It's brilliant you have managed to keep contact with a range of family and friends. You need to be with one of them, and my guess is you will immediately feel the strength of some support. With all your travelling etc you sound adaptable . This is a great strength. With a bit of companionship and support you will find a way to get back on your feet.

If your home country is the UK can you return, do some spare room surfing with friends, and explore a way into work? Are you working at the moment?

And of course you are not a bad Mum.

HumblePieMonster · 30/08/2014 20:04

get home somehow and put him behind you.
don't blame yourself for having sex with a former partner, it often happens. even i did it.

siblue · 30/08/2014 21:25

I can't really get my head around someone being something and then just stopping being that so I think I'm having a lot of trouble accepting it all. I keep expecting him to be who he was an pining for him. I was just so attached it feels so funny being on his own and also going back to be a single parent. Very lonely.

I really can't tell anyone how low I feel, but I will try and pick myself up a little bit. I managed to clean half the house today which was a monumental effort.

OP posts: