@kerithravine410 Oh heyyyyy
this was my exact life 18 months ago. EXACTLY. Non-working husband, me working from home, 12 month old baby that nurses at night - the full shebang. So I am talking to you from the future I guess?
Please get help immediately to disrupt this dynamic. I tried to ride it out, waiting for him to pick himself back up from recent events, and ultimately around my child turning 2, got to the point of needing help with my suicidal ideation. Not because I was actually that depressed or mentally ill but because I was SO fucking sleep deprived! And because I was so sleep deprived after 2 full years of this shit (plus pregnancy and not enough time on leave because I had to get back to work to pay the bills - you know the story because you’re living it) I didn’t have the energy to change or challenge anything, particularly my shitty marriage. It is a dark, lonely space to be in. Scary thoughts creeped in.
Things do get better, but only when the weight of that relationship is off your back. I don’t necessarily mean to break up, but the current dynamic has to change. Gotta rip that bandaid off
After I scared the jeebers out of myself with my late night thoughts, my care plan was to start with some sleep. After a couple of nights of uninterrupted sleep and my husband caring for the baby, I finally had enough in my tank to start the real conversation. Not the equal load conversation, but the ‘this isn’t working’ conversation. To my surprise, with counselling, we’re in a completely new and loving dance (and it also helps that the baby is that little bit older). But if the relationship didn’t work out, I would be equally happy with that as the outcome. Our babies need happy healthy parents, not particular family structures.
Sending so much love and care for your tender heart right now - not being allowed to fall apart because of babies and bills, whilst carrying the immense pain of a partner basically abandoning you whilst still being physically present, is just torture. Thanks so much for reaching out. It’s so important to know we’re not alone.