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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

He's left me after creating drama in front of the children

60 replies

whatdoidonoww · 24/03/2022 22:10

Husband has struggled with being a parent since the day the DC were born- his mental health has deteriorated and he's been diagnosed with depression (lots of childhood trauma- cold, toxic parents who have ostracised him).

I've had severe PND and have tried my best to keep my shit together for the sake of the children and lift myself out of the PND cloud that has plagued me since I had my first. There were days not too long ago when I wanted to jump in front of an oncoming train or take an overdose and not wake up. I didn't follow through with anything because I knew if I died, there would be no one to take care of the children. Husband resents me for taking a tough survival stance and getting through each day. I resent him for leaving me to rot on my worst days and walking out for a breath of fresh air whilst I had two under two climbing all over me and me not having anything to give them (emotionally). There has been DV in the past where he's lashed out me and then reported me to the police for hurting him. We've had SS involvement twice.

We had a lot of couples counselling but nothing worked. Today he had a big meltdown in front of the toddlers over something trivial. He made them cry because of his screaming and shouting. I calmed the DC down. Took them to bed and came out to find him packing his things. He's told me I've ruined his life and he wishes the worst things for me- a prolonged and painful illness so I die a terrible death and other hurtful things. I don't know what to do. I knew our marriage was over and was going to raise the topic of divorce at some point but I wanted it to have as little impact on the DC as possible. I feel the circumstance under which he's leaving is going to leave them traumatised more than if we'd sat down with them and talked them through things calmly. What do I do?

The DC attend nursery a short car journey away- I don't drive. How will I get them there? I've recently returned to work after a few years out. How do I work at the opposite ends of the city and manage nursery drop offs and pick ups?! What am I going to do?! I'm petrified. To make matters worse, we were meant to be moving soon since our current property is too small for the DC. What will happen next? I have no idea how I'll manage the DCs clubs and groups- he did a lot with my older one- swimming, etc. I'll have to put a stop to their activities as I can't get there.

OP posts:
ladydimitrescu · 24/03/2022 23:33

What happened with social services involvement? And the reports to the police?
Are there records of you being violent to him, or also that he's been violent to you?
You will need to gather as much evidence as possible that he has been abusive to you. Social services are more likely to work with you now you are apart as it will be a safer environment for your children.

YukoandHiro · 24/03/2022 23:40

That's not true OP. You can claim benefits with a mortgage. There are many elements to universal credit. It's worth having a look at the application and seeing if you're entitled to anything.

worriedatthistime · 24/03/2022 23:54

You may be entitled to benefits unless a high earner and also entitled to claim child maintenance from him as well potentially

worriedatthistime · 24/03/2022 23:56

You nay even qualify for more free nursery hrs , do you get any for your 3 year old yet?
Put in details in benefits calculator this will give you a rough idea

Whatever00 · 25/03/2022 00:04

I would tell DC that daddy went to have a sleep over with a friends.That they haven't done anything wrong at all and mummy and daddy love them. That sometimes mummies
Daddies can do the wrong thing like shouting or saying unkind works and need time to think and calm down.

PyongyangKipperbang · 25/03/2022 00:29

I was surprised that I could claim benefits when ex and I split and it really helped. Even if its only £100 a month, its still £100 more than you have now. And look into help with childcare costs, that on UC too and as someone else said, free childcare hours.

www.entitledto.co.uk/ is a really good calculator and recommended by gov.uk. Worst case, you cant claim anything but it really is better to check just in case.

frozendaisy · 25/03/2022 01:27

Your children are young yes?

Does your work mean you can work elsewhere in the country?

Me personally I would make the leap now if you can and move back 400 miles to your family. He can do the drive to see his kids if he wants.

Take back control you can change the course if your lives before they get older.

Go now. Have faith.

2catsandhappy · 25/03/2022 02:56

Already you are working out how to manage on your own. The bus and hopefully you will put in an online claim for Universal Credit. Put in your single adult Council Tax claim at the same time. You are planning on how to tell your dc why df is not there and you are thinking ahead to more driving lessons.
You are doing amazingly well! Try to sleep and eat. You must if you are to give the best care to your dc.

BOOTS52 · 25/03/2022 06:28

Sorry to hear you are going through this but he was only adding pain and misery to your life and I think once you get into a routine you will be so much happier and have peace of mind. What a nasty man to say those awful things about you to your children. He sounds psychotic and just horrible. Is there any way a family member could come to stay just for a week or so to help you out or a older niece that could help with the children to help you for a short time. Do not let him back into the house ever. He has shown his true colours and it was probably because of this that you had a hard time as he was not supportive but abusive. You sound like you will be fine once you can get the getting to and fm nursery sorted. Great advise on here and keep posting for support. Wishing you all the best but you will look back in a few months and think wish I had kicked him out sooner as you will feel like your old self again and your children will not be growing up in a household with stress and tension and will be so much happier.

BOOTS52 · 25/03/2022 06:30

Your children will be fine, just say daddy gone to stay with friends but we both love you and always will and hugs them loads and snuggle up and read them bedtime stories and they are so young they will not even remember it.

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