DH of 14 years has always struggled with his mental health. He’s never been physically abusive but has thrown things, smashed things, shouted, sworn, disappeared off, used suicide threats or the silent treatment for days on end. These big episodes take place on average once a year. He’s had numerous rounds of counselling but always at my insistence or because I’ve set an ultimatum. In between episodes he can be kind, caring and a good dad. But I walk on eggshells as soon as his mood starts to deteriorate. Like I say, long periods of time can go in between episodes.
Every time it happens I lose a bit of respect for him and a bit of hope that things can get better. Last year he did it one time too many and when he left I didn’t let him come back. The respect I have left for him is very thin and the hope has gone.
I need to make a decision now on what to do. Should I try again or is 14 years long enough to have tried? I believe him when he says he wants to try but I don’t know that he’s capable of it.