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Relationships

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

Do you stay with a partner with depression?

4 replies

PrettyButterfly909 · 21/08/2025 14:39

Hello,

Bit of a long one, sorry - but looking for advice on what to do. Ive been with my boyfriend now for 3 years, with a house and a baby. Things were going pretty well, but after the baby (who is now almost 2 years), he started being less affectionate and more distant. I tried to speak to him a few times, but didnt get anywhere. In the last few weeks, he has now said - he doesn't feel any emotions for me, or any emotions in general, he doesn't feel happy to come home and see me and my son (not his son), but he is happy to see our daughter. Hes said he doesn't feel close to me, and he often sits and scrolls on his phone in the evenings, and doesnt communicate much. He has little patience, love or interest when talking to me. Sometimes he has good days, others not so much and is more closed off. I can feel this, as emotional distance and its confusing. Whether I try and talk to him, or leave him alone - im constantly wondering how to help or fix this situation. He says I havnt done anything wrong, but he feels overwhelmed, just by my asking for a hug sometimes. Im not too overbearing, as he only recently started giving hugs. Affection has been a big issue in the last year or so. A few months ago, he was bordering abusive (hyper critical, belittling etc), which has improved, but the communication from him is still sharp and impatient.

Our therapist has brought up the possibility of him being depressed. He says he is worried there might be something mentally wrong with him, as to why he cant be loving and kind to the person he is commited too. But this emotional distance has been here for so long. He turns conversations into fights quite often. I think im slowly giving up.... what would you do? Stick around for a little while longer and see what therapy can do? All I know is staying in this house is mentally draining and exhausting.

OP posts:
TwilightSkies · 21/08/2025 14:41

Were you with him for less than a year before you got pregnant? I’m not judging, it’s just that you can’t know who someone truly is until you’ve been with them for a few years. It sounds like this is just who he is.

PrettyButterfly909 · 21/08/2025 14:45

We did, it was quick. We had been together 1 year and a few months. We both decided to have a little one as I'm getting old now 😅. He didn't used to be this way, we used to be completely happy and fine. It all seemed to change after having the little one.

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/08/2025 15:36

And you are with this man because....

You state your man was borderline abusive; well I would argue he is abusive and has remained so to boot. Pregnancy and birth are often flashpoints for abusers to show their true colours. He does not treat his work colleagues or friends like this does he?. No he is probably all sweetness and light re them.

What is the situation re the finances and property?. Are you named on a tenancy agreement or mortgage?.

You now have two children; what are they leaning about relationships here?. Would you want either child as an adult to have a relationship like this. Unlikely and you would want better for them. You should want better for you as well.

He has not changed at all and he is not being a decent example of a stepfather to your son either if he ignores him. How does that make you feel when he is ignoring your son?. Your son's relationship with his sister also could be at risk going forward because she will continue to be more favoured with he being less so. I would cut your losses now and move on with your day to day lives without your partner in it. His behaviour towards your son will continue and you will be further run down by his behaviours towards you and in turn the children.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/08/2025 15:41

It also does not seem like he has done anything of his own accord to address his issues other than telling you about them.

I would also consider knocking the joint counselling on the head because abuse is not a relationship problem or issue. Abuse also is not about communication or a perceived lack of; it's about power and control. If counselling is to be at all considered here I would go on your own as you need to be able to talk in both a calm and safe environment.

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