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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

Husband says it is all in my head after baby

70 replies

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 11:48

My husband and I have within a few years had a baby and got married. There’s always been arguments and things that he’s been not very nice to me about but I feel since we’ve had a child it’s gotten so much worse.

I suffered with quite bad postnatal depression when my son was born and was finally formally diagnosed a year and a half later. I was in therapy but had to quit as I wasn’t getting the support I needed at home from him. I was offered anti depressants which I am reluctant to take.

My husband makes me really unhappy, nearly everyday I get a dig made at me which I then get told it wasn’t and it’s in my head.

He will get defensive if I mention something he doesn’t like and then I get told he hasn’t and it’s in my head or the way I’ve taken it.

He can never find fault with himself or what he’s done and I’m made to feel like it’s all my and it’s my fault for taking it the wrong way.

When my son was born I gave up everything, reduced my hours at a job I love, given up any form of socialising. I barely go out anymore as I want to be with my son but he goes to football every couple weeks and doesn’t even give me a time he will be home.

I feel so helpless and alone with how he’s making me feel. He makes me feel like he hates me and I can’t do anything right.

An example of how things upset me that I get told shouldn’t, on our wedding day I was told there was a photo to be taken of his family and I wasn’t to be in it as it’s ’bloodline’ only. This has since been repeated with photos with my son. When I mentioned how it made me upset I was told that it wouldn’t make him upset and he wouldn’t care if it was the other way around and he couldn’t see a problem. Again making me believe it’s all in my head.

I feel I can’t even talk to him anymore because it will be spun round to be me and my problem and he won’t actually take accountability or admit that he has done something wrong or said something in a nasty way.

It has been called out by my own family of how he can talk nastily and aggressively without him realising but still he won’t hold himself accountable or actually admit to this and listen to me when I get so wound up by it.

I wake up everyday hopeless and feeling so depressed. I fully believe my postnatal depression has since relieved because every problem I now have and every depressive feeling I have is linked to my husband. But I get told him and his parents think I should take the anti depressants almost excusing his own behaviour and being my bad mental health.

I’m at a complete loss and feel so completely helpless. I wake up everyday so unhappy. He says he won’t let me leave him as he will make it difficult for me and I will ruin my son’s life and he will grow up to hate me for it and says I should just give up because unlike him I’m a quitter.

Does anyone have any advice because I’m struggling with it all? Is this normal or is it all in my head?

OP posts:
Givemeausernamepls · 23/04/2026 11:51

So my question to you is, are you depressed or are you just in a shit relationship?

I mean this kindly OP, you are clearly finding life really hard and it’s is worth looking at what positive changes you can make, and stepping away from a source of constant negativity sounds right. Bet your nervous system is shot to pieces!

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 11:51

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 11:54

Givemeausernamepls · 23/04/2026 11:51

So my question to you is, are you depressed or are you just in a shit relationship?

I mean this kindly OP, you are clearly finding life really hard and it’s is worth looking at what positive changes you can make, and stepping away from a source of constant negativity sounds right. Bet your nervous system is shot to pieces!

I have been formally diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression but I feel like he is the only aspect that makes me like this now.

He tries to tell me this is a normal relationship and I’m just crazy and I just don’t know what to believe anymore?

OP posts:
Endofyear · 23/04/2026 12:07

OP you have anxiety and depression because you're in an abusive relationship. Will your family support you in leaving? You can also contact Women's Aid for help and support. You won't get well until you're away from him and his abuse. Please reach out to your family for help 💐

RoniaCheetah · 23/04/2026 12:17

Your relationship doesn't sound supportive and healthy and is likely one of the causes of your anxiety and depression. However postnatal depression or other factors may also be at play. Don't rule out antidepressants which may lift you up enough to be able to feel like you can take control of your life and make changes. It may feel insurmountable to you otherwise.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 23/04/2026 12:21

I would contact Womens Aid and get their support to help you leave your abuser. I would also seek
legal advice re divorce.

Do you have your family’s support?.

He is the root cause of your depressed state and anxiety and you may well find this lifts markedly when you get away from him. All his words are words an abusive man does say to his target.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 23/04/2026 12:23

Pregnancy and birth are further flashpoints for abusers like your husband to further ramp up the power and control against you. Abuse is not a relationship issue and you are not a rehab centre for such a badly raised man.

DierdreDaphne · 23/04/2026 12:27

RoniaCheetah · 23/04/2026 12:17

Your relationship doesn't sound supportive and healthy and is likely one of the causes of your anxiety and depression. However postnatal depression or other factors may also be at play. Don't rule out antidepressants which may lift you up enough to be able to feel like you can take control of your life and make changes. It may feel insurmountable to you otherwise.

I agree with this. You need to get away from this arsehole and his arsehole family, antidepressants if nothing else can help you sleep better and think straighter without circling back forever on blaming yourself.

I say "can" because they definitely don't offer the same benefits to everyone, but they certainly helped me to get on with my life and stop questioning myself constantly. I would say try them, but perhaps talk to your GP about starting slowly, and even adding some 'cover' from diazepam in the first couple of weeks as they can sometimes make you feel worse before you feel better.

And honestly I would keep your treatment private from arsehole H and his arsehole family. They have cast you in a role of being the one at fault in order to protect the entirely false image of H as a flawless demi-god. Ha! We can see what he is.

You need to play the long game and plan carefully to regain control of your life, your career and your peace of mind. 💐

ExOptimist · 23/04/2026 12:28

You have a dreadful husband, that's your main problem. A man who loves you will build you up, support you, make you feel safe and secure, especially after having a baby. His family sound awful too. It seems as if you don't mean much to him or his family, things like the "bloodline" photos are appalling. You were a vessel to provide him with a child.

He won't change. So if I was you I'd grit my teeth and leave. Do you have family support? It wouldn't be easy( I know, I did it) but you'd have peace of mind and be able to live your life without constant criticism and arguing.

arethereanyleftatall · 23/04/2026 12:31

Why would you think that it’s up to him if you leave him? It isn’t his decision to make. Why would your son grow up to hate you if left your abusive husband?

Topseyt123 · 23/04/2026 12:32

Call Women's Aid. Engage the help of your family if they are willing and see a solicitor about divorce proceedings.

Honestly, ask yourself why you are wasting your time with this arsehole! I'd be willing to bet that your depression and anxiety would improve a lot if you could dump him.

PGmicstand · 23/04/2026 12:33

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 11:54

I have been formally diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression but I feel like he is the only aspect that makes me like this now.

He tries to tell me this is a normal relationship and I’m just crazy and I just don’t know what to believe anymore?

This is NOT a normal relationship.
He's a horrible person.
Please leave him. You'll be much happier.

AgnesMcDoo · 23/04/2026 12:34

Please go back to your GP. You need medication and possibly counselling too. These are the first steps to take.

Medication and support from GP will put you in a better position to be able to make the other decisions you need to take about your marriage.

Anxiety and depression are awful - I've had both. Please reconsider taking medication - it really does make a difference

Villanellesproudmum · 23/04/2026 12:37

He sounds like the sort of man who will try and turn your child against you, the sort of man who will put you down in front of your child, if you can, are you able to move back to parents they’ll also help you recover, I know I would if my daughter and grandchild was in your situation

Sunisgettinganewhaton · 23/04/2026 12:37

He can't stop you ending the relationship or filing for divorce.. I didn't tell my exh. He got the papers in the post to our home.
Have you confided in any of your family?

Villanellesproudmum · 23/04/2026 12:38

Also taking the meds might give you the clarity and confidence to leave.

SwatTheTwit · 23/04/2026 12:41

He’s abusive, that’s all this comes down to.

AgnesX · 23/04/2026 12:42

It sounds like a really difficult position you're in and was right from the very beginning.

Out of curiosity why did you give up your socialising?

FettchYeSandbagges · 23/04/2026 12:45

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 11:54

I have been formally diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression but I feel like he is the only aspect that makes me like this now.

He tries to tell me this is a normal relationship and I’m just crazy and I just don’t know what to believe anymore?

He is gaslighting you. Deliberately making you feel like you are going crazy.

This is a long way from being a normal relationship, in fact it is extremely abusive and controlling. I'm sure lots of other people are going to say the same - your emotional and mental health problems are a direct result of his abuse of you, and there is only one way to overcome this. You need to end the relationship.
Flowers

Ileithyia · 23/04/2026 12:48

This is an abusive toxic relationship. Get your ducks in a row and get out.

BigBilly · 23/04/2026 12:56

This sounds awful to live with every day. This is not a normal relationship, I don't agree with a lot of people saying take the meds. I think if you can get away from this awful man you will instantly feel better. Meds won't help sort your life .. is it possible to start a conversation with him about leaving and sharing the care of your child? is there anywhere safe you can stay with your son?

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 13:05

AgnesX · 23/04/2026 12:42

It sounds like a really difficult position you're in and was right from the very beginning.

Out of curiosity why did you give up your socialising?

I was very anxious at the start to leave my son and I think it just became easier to not leave him and stay in the house.

I have also found that when I am out and about I just don’t feel myself anymore and I feel I’ve lost my spark. I used to be a very happy person who loved life and gradually over time I’ve become a bit of a shell of that person

OP posts:
StandingDeskDisco · 23/04/2026 13:08

No this is not normal. No it is not all in your head.

You are in an abusive relationship. He is abusive. He is an abuser.
Read that again.
The first step is recognising the reality of the situation.

You can't believe a word he says. And it doesn't help you to talk to him. So stop talking to him about the relationship, yourself, or anything much at all.
This is essential to protecting yourself.

Then you need a plan of further steps to take.
The details will depend on your circumstances, but could include things like:

Going back to the GP, taking the medication, and asking for another go with counselling.
Telling a friend or someone from you family exactly what is happening. Saying it out loud is important.
Phoning Woman's Aid.
Going out of the house with baby regularly, e.g. to a toddler/baby group
Going out of the house without baby, e.g. to a gym or hobby. Can you find a babysitter? Don't rely on DH as he will sabotage you by being unreliable
Finding out about finances, yours and his, in preparation for leaving him.

Make a plan and follow the steps.
You will get through this

Queenhecate · 23/04/2026 13:10

Take the meds love. Then you’ll see things clearly. And make an exit plan.

Givemeausernamepls · 23/04/2026 13:20

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Apologies if it sounded like i was questioning your diagnosis, I am not. I am simply like pp saying, is the route cause of your anxiety and depression your relationship.

OP you deserve so much more. There is nothing normal about your 'D'P behaviour it is abusive.

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