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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

Really really sad

160 replies

namechangedagen · 25/11/2018 06:23

Been together 12 years and have 2 very young DC. DH suffers from depression and will not get help. Sometimes he says he will to end an argument but he never actually goes through with it.

We’ve just gone through some big changes lately (big move, career changes etc) so it taken its toll on us and for the last year we’ve been arguing on and off - sometime petty things sometimes about him not getting help for his depression which affects our relationship greatly. The problem is he is prone to massive rages when we argue. He smashes things up - iPads, iPhones, kitchen stuff. Never in front of the kids but I find it intimidating (not to mention expensive to fix). When he’s in these rages he says awful horrible spiteful things to me which are personal - he always takes them back later but my self esteem has taken a bit of a battering. Also sometimes he does unpredictable things like a couple of months back we talked about his depression and he got up and just walked out with no shoes or shirt on and didn’t come back for hours. DM had to come watch the kids who were in bed while I drove around looking for him. I was so worried he was going to harm himself and I’d never see him again (he attempted suicide a very long time ago before I met him).

Anyway since that incident we had a make or break talk and decided we’d give it one last shot because we couldn’t go on. In that talk yet again he said he’d get help and has just been putting it off and blaming all the other stuff in our lives for not going. Yesterday was a rare child free day - we got back from a day out with friends and had a silly argument on the way back (the first since the last incident). He went mental and smashed up a guitar when we got home, even hurled a can which hit me although I’m still undecided if this was deliberate or not) and punched the wall repeatedly until his hand bled. I’m in the spare bed right now. I’m so heartbroken.

I feel like I’m not sure what to do anymore. I said last night I wanted him out first thing this morning. I can’t take it anymore. When we argue he’s quite terrifying - I barely even raise my voice as I don’t want to rock the boat but he screams at me and looks like he hates me. No one else knows this side to him. Problem is without me and and the kids he has nothing or no one. I’m so scared about what will happen to him if I go through with this today. I don’t know where he’ll go or what he’ll do. He’s really not all bad just very sick.

I don’t know why I’m posting really. I just don’t know what to do and I feel so on my own.

OP posts:
junebirthdaygirl · 27/11/2018 18:39

When he says he needs help just say..l am sure you can sort that out.
He knows what to do, where to go.
Try not to engage too much..

Butterymuffin · 27/11/2018 18:48

So bloody glad you've gone! Don't hesitate to call the police if anything escalates. It's protecting your kids and that has to come first.

S0PH1A · 27/11/2018 18:51

I agree about phoning women’s aid for advice. It’s usually easier to get though to your local one, the national helpline is often engaged.

Also agree with trying not to engage. If you have to say anything, just say non committal things like

I agree you need help
I’m glad you are seeking help
I’m not sure what I want to do
Ive not made any firm decisions yet
We need to put the children first
I want what’s best for the children
I need some space to think
Please respect my wishes

Don’t get drawn into discussion on the phone or by text.

Don’t try to persuade him that he has a problem .

Don’t try to get him to agree with your viewpoint.

springydaff · 27/11/2018 18:59

So relieved you're out. Well done 💐

Try Women's Aid helpline overnight 0808 2000 247 if you can.

It is notorious that the abuse escalates when the target takes independent action. Please be very careful op.

Ponderingbythepond · 27/11/2018 19:04

Well done for getting out.
Please don’t visit him, I can imagine him wanting to talk. Please don’t be alone with him. He sounds very dangerous. Talk to woman’s aid, they can help x

timeisnotaline · 27/11/2018 19:22

When he says help just reply I’m glad you recognise that. I look forward to hearing you’ve accessed help.

bluejelly · 27/11/2018 20:06

You totally did the right thing going to your sister's. Well done OP.

He sounds v similar to my ex - who had (clinically diagnosed) depression but was also abusive, defensive and angry. He never hit me, but everything wrong was my fault. And I had to spend endless time explaining and justifying and ameliorating and sympathising with him. It was all about him.

I was terrified of leaving him, terrified of him killing himself and it somehow being my fault.

But of course it wasn't and wouldn't have been my fault. And anyway 13 years later is still alive and probably tormenting some other poor woman :-(

Anyway I'm digressing massively. Stay strong OP and keep seeking the help that you need. (For me that was a good friend and a great counsellor. )

Nellyphantastic123 · 27/11/2018 20:48

Just wanted to say well done OP. First step towards a better life for you and your kids 💐. I know it won’t feel like it right now but a year from now you will look back and be so grateful you are out of that situation. You’re strong and you’ve got this. Women’s Aid are amazing, they will believe you and are there to support women and families just like yours. Take care.

toffeeapple123 · 27/11/2018 23:42

Classic abuse.

This book will help you to see - he fits the classic case: www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Does-He-That-Controlling/dp/0425191656?tag=mumsnetforum-21

bethy15 · 28/11/2018 11:31

How are you today OP?

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