Sorry if this isn't in the right place.
I've been with my husband for 11 years. In the last 3 years I have been really struggling with various symptoms of his ADHD. Though only in the last year have we realised he has it.
Prior to this I simply thought he was forgetful, lazy and selfish.
I am burnt out at the moment. Have been for a few months. There are some main issues:
- Communication is a nightmare with what I've learnt are standard ADHD things - not listening/inattention, talking AT me about ridiculous things, almost discharging his entire brain at me and expecting me to be interested in often the most absurd or ridiculous topics, interrupting, changing the topic, assuming he knows what I'll say/think etc. it got so bad I stopped engaging, shut down. I felt so lonely and isolated being unable to share any of my thoughts feelings or opinions with him.
We spoke about it and agreed on me being able to say "I wasn't finished/you interrupted" etc. but often he's ruined the flow of my thoughts and what I was saying. So I often struggle to then go back to it.
- chores. He behaves as though these are optional for him. Always has done. Can do one small thing and then feels he's done enough. I'm currently unwell, off work, infection, on antibiotics and feel dreadful. I sent a small list of things that needed doing (we have agreed I can do this because apparently he doesn't see when things need doing), 2 of those things I suggested our son could do. Husband did one thing (grocery shop, with list I sent) and I've just asked about the other things and he's kicked off.
"Hasn't sat down" apparently. Not true, sat for 90 mins with a beer, then another hour in-between taking our son to a club. These aren't enormous jobs, "pick up dog poo" "empty weekend bag" "put washing on"
Now I feel guilty for "nagging" him, but on the other hand I think it's perfectly reasonable for him to do those things, which would take about 25mins total, given they're things I'd have just done if I was well enough.
I'm a nasty b*h apparently, don't appreciate him (I make an effort to thank and praise him for everything, I think it's pathetic at this stage because I'm so fed up, but I have read those with ADHD need praise)
I feel like he has enormous expectations of me, but I can't expect anything of him because then I'm being nasty.
3) life admin/management. I do it all. If he demands the responsibility for something he often doesn't do it. I'll prompt, and get told he'll do it in a minute. He knows he'll forget. This can happen daily until I end up peed off. Then I'm the bad guy again.
He's always the victim. Takes absolutely no accountability for how his ADHD symptoms impact me.
This weekend we were with my parents. My mum said to me privately that she sees what I mean, I do everything and any tiny thing he does has to be arranged and led by me, with me then praising him after. Relentless questions all the time. Normal questions end up leaving me close to tears e.g "where are my shorts" but this will be before he's looked, taken any time to think about where they might be, and could be the 20th question that hour.
Any time we try to talk he is dismissive of my feelings, goes into defence mode, and plays victim. Well, he probably convinces himself he is the victim, because he cannot see how any of this impacts me.
It's just relentless. There is no escape, no break.
I had to go away for work recently, I was really struggling with my mental health before going - totally burnt out. Made this very clear. But i get no support, he claims he helps but literally the expectation on me is always the same. He did nothing to help before I left, when I returned home the house was disgusting. And when I mentioned it he said I wasn't appreciating what he had done. Which was go out canyoning with our son each evening - something he really enjoys, and one load of washing (his own clothes) in 5 days.
Coming home to a filthy house made me feel so unappreciated. We agreed that next time I can send a list of jobs to do. But I'll need to be mindful the list isn't too big - as in what I'd do - because he'll respond badly.
I feel like I have a fully grown toddler.
I just don't know what to do. I'm so burnt out, fed up and resentful. I'm so unhappy. I love him, he has some wonderful qualities, but these ADHD symptoms are destroying me.
We have spoken about therapy, but honestly, I don't think it's worth my energy. He'll lie (with the ADHD and him smoking cannabis and drinking each night - claims both help quieten down his thoughts, his memory is shot and he very often re writes what's happened, then accuses me of the doing the same), play the victim, say he takes accountability and understands but he won't. He's very good at saying. All talk and no action.
Any advice would be appreciated.