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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:
arethereanyleftatall · 23/04/2026 13:24

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 13:05

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

You have only ONE thing available to you to be happy again. And that’s to leave this relationship. It is him. The root of all your unhappiness.

ClassyCuckoo · 23/04/2026 13:28

why don’t you stand up for yourself more? Don’t put up with it. Tell him the marriage is over if he doesn’t change and that means he won’t see the fruit of his “bloodline” every day. And you’ll likely end up remarrying and a stepdad would be on the scene

He can shape up or ship out. Stop letting it drag you down and fight back

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 23/04/2026 13:31

It was really painfull to read how he treats you. He is abusive. You are being ground down and treated with a massive lack of respect. The Bloodline photo on your own wedding day and in spite of your objections was ridiculous I've never heard of anyone insisting on that.

"I feel like he never has my back and never has my best interests."

You know this to be true but he has managed to gaslight you into doubting yourself.

He and his family are treating you terribly and its not normall

Please, if you can give Womens aid a ring.. and confide in your GP. Ask for help and support. Your DH has probably caused your depression by his behaviour.

I agree with ppp... no point talking to him about it..In fact do not let him know your plans as he will just try to stop you. get advice first and as much RL support as you can. You said your family weren't happy about it either.
You've stopped socialising, I'd be very careful not to lose your job as it will give you a way out. Reconnect with your friends on social media and see them when you visit family.

There is a path out of this abuse if you gather help and support. It may seem like a huge jump, but I haven't seen anyone on this thread saying that you are wrong.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 23/04/2026 13:32

ClassyCuckoo · 23/04/2026 13:28

why don’t you stand up for yourself more? Don’t put up with it. Tell him the marriage is over if he doesn’t change and that means he won’t see the fruit of his “bloodline” every day. And you’ll likely end up remarrying and a stepdad would be on the scene

He can shape up or ship out. Stop letting it drag you down and fight back

Dont tell him anything. He is abusive.
Get advice first, make your plans and stay safe.

Chilly80 · 23/04/2026 13:33

Do you have family support?

allthingsinmoderation · 23/04/2026 13:35

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?

I am so sorry you are feeling so low but its not surprising give how unsupportive and frankly cruel your husband is.
It could be you are suffering from depression and anxiety that is being compounded by an abusive relationship or that the abusive relationship is contributing to how low you feel.
You are being gaslit and emotionally abused at a time when you are vulnerable.
I think you know that deep down ,your family have noticed too.
I hope you have people around you IRL who you can talk to and get support.
Talk to your Dr about your feelings about the antidepressants.
You shoudnt give up on therapy because he is unsupportive.
Your feelings are valid and he sounds very cruel.

YorksMa · 23/04/2026 13:37

Oh OP, you are clearly in a very abusive relationship and are being controlled and gaslit. Please listen to the advice being given on this thread. You and your child deserve so, so, so much better.

It's not you - it's HIM.

JustMyView13 · 23/04/2026 13:42

It sounds like your husband and his family hates you. And I say that because I would treat someone I disliked, better than your husband is treating you. It isn’t really something you can change. Can you start to slowly trickle some money out of the bank account enough to be able to afford an hour with a divorce lawyer? You deserve happiness, and this man will never give you that. He’s not going to change, so you can probably skip the part where you waste more of your life trying.
Sending love x

Whatifitallgoesright · 23/04/2026 13:43

Is there any possibility of just you and your son going to stay with family or friends just for a few days? The physical space between you will help you see things more clearly. If you can plan this without telling him, all the better and it's a normal thing to do which if he objects to will highlight his controlling behaviour.

sittingonabeach · 23/04/2026 13:46

What are his good points @Abulupmb? What attracted him to you in the first place?

Endofthetunnel25 · 23/04/2026 13:47

I really would suggest taking the meds before making any big decisions. Depression really can make you think differently. If the Dr has diagnosed you with something, you need the medication.
If he's still an arsehole after you've had a try of them, then LTB!

Endofthetunnel25 · 23/04/2026 13:49

And being devil's advocate here... I've been at family gatherings where there are photos of "Grandad with his kids and their kids". The married wives/husbands sit out of that particular photo (which I've been fine with!)/ Plenty more pics of the entire family together... they don't call it the "bloodline" pic though!

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 13:49

sittingonabeach · 23/04/2026 13:46

What are his good points @Abulupmb? What attracted him to you in the first place?

weve been together for around 19, he used to do anything for me and knew I could rely on him. Would surprise me and be really thoughtful.

it gradually started disappearing. He made quite a few mistakes early on that I excused as I was young and he was my first real relationship.

It used to be the good times outweighed the bad but now it’s barely any good times and if there are it’s for my son.

I don’t really know any different then being with him so there’s a lot of fear but I’m just not myself anymore with him

OP posts:
pinkyredrose · 23/04/2026 13:52

He's abusive. Life's too short to spend it with someone that hates you.

pinkyredrose · 23/04/2026 13:53

Is he a lot older than you?

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 13:57

pinkyredrose · 23/04/2026 13:53

Is he a lot older than you?

No he’s the same age, a month difference

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 23/04/2026 14:01

leaving gets harder as your kids get older. So start now. There are a couple of DIY divorce books you can read. Or get on an audiobook or on your phone.
Then tell the people that will support you. Get everything lined up and then leave and send paperwork once you’re ready. No pre warning. No discussion. AT ALL.

Hibernationistheplan · 23/04/2026 14:05

He sounds really abusive. Do you have anywhere else you can go if you leave him? If you stay in time your DC will copy him so if there is any way you can get out now I would.

loislovesstewie · 23/04/2026 14:11

Your husband is abusive, get rid of him and your health will improve immediately.

midnights92 · 23/04/2026 14:14

I know leaving is so much easier said than done but your husband is awful and your life will be much better without him.

The sooner you leave, the better your career prospects as you'll have less time on reduced hours while he gets to accelerate his career, which can really hold women back.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 23/04/2026 14:18

How can you be helped into leaving your abuser?.

Your son cannot afford to grow up seeing you as his mum being abused. It will harm him and indeed he is currently growing up in a dysfunctional and abusive household. This is no legacy to leave him.

Crikeyalmighty · 23/04/2026 14:22

Got to be honest OP, I can’t stand relationships with these ‘all about famileee ‘ kind of people, itsall a bit Eastenders for me. I appreciate some people really like it but it’s just not me and it sounds like it’s not you either -

Butterme · 23/04/2026 14:23

It’s a really difficult one because we’re not there and so we can’t know for certain.

There is nothing wrong with him wanting a photo of just his side of the family and you admit that you choose not to socialise or be away with your son and he continues to play football, which is a good thing - but you’ve used these as examples, even though you are in the wrong.

But there’s obviously something for you to feel this way.

Depression can make us feel overwhelmed and so it could be the depression but it also could be him causing the depression.

Do you have anywhere you can go?
If it was me, I would try and move out and focus on healing.
The space away from your DH will help you figure out the problem.

You are going to have to share custody but you cannot just do nothing.

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 23/04/2026 14:23

Ok, I expect even just the idea of leaving him is too scary to contemplate. Here are steps you can take in the meantime:

  • Imagine you are in a bubble when you are with him. The things he say can't get through to hurt you because you're protected. This works because you are giving yourself permission not to believe what he says. It gradually gets him out of your head.
  • Tell yourself daily you are important, your needs matter. Don't tell him because he won't listen. But you need to start believing it.
  • Do little things to look after yourself. Getting out of the house with your DS for a walk in the sunshine, cup of tea and a sit down, chocolate bar, whatever. Treat yourself well because you're missing out on this at the moment.
  • Spend as much time as possible with people who treat you well. Your family, any friends who are real friends.

All these steps will help you detach from him and his world and begin to see the world outside again. I had a similar mean H and when I started practising these steps, I noticed that strangers at the school gate would say a friendlier hello than I ever got from my own husband. I gradually began to crave freedom: a return to the world away from him. There were lots of things to think about, because I, like you, was tied to him by the DC. That H (XH now) is still a part of my life (until my youngest is 18), but only a very small insignificant part!

Abulupmb · 23/04/2026 14:40

Butterme · 23/04/2026 14:23

It’s a really difficult one because we’re not there and so we can’t know for certain.

There is nothing wrong with him wanting a photo of just his side of the family and you admit that you choose not to socialise or be away with your son and he continues to play football, which is a good thing - but you’ve used these as examples, even though you are in the wrong.

But there’s obviously something for you to feel this way.

Depression can make us feel overwhelmed and so it could be the depression but it also could be him causing the depression.

Do you have anywhere you can go?
If it was me, I would try and move out and focus on healing.
The space away from your DH will help you figure out the problem.

You are going to have to share custody but you cannot just do nothing.

Oh I definitely agree with nothing wrong with the photo being taken I think it was more the timing and the wording of it. Being called bloodline and it being used in front of my son to me is like saying I’m not true family even though I am married and I have a son who is part of that bloodline.

It may be different for me as my family have always thought of him included in family photos.

the football again isn’t an issue as he enjoys going to watch it, the issue I have is he doesn’t tell me any time of when he’s back so I’m left in the dark. He misses my family birthdays and important events as says he would rather go to the game but I’m told I have to attend his family’s birthdays.

He openly says he would pick those football games over spending time with son or us as a family and that when he’s older he will be going with him anyway. I think that’s the part that hurts.

OP posts: