i'm so confused. how can I fix myself to fix my relationship?

by Heather
( California)

I live with my boyfriend. we have been together for 5 years now and have known each other for 15 years. we have 2 kids and are planning on getting married.


In the beginning of our relationship everything was great. we talked every night. we spent every min we could together. we never fought. people said our relationship was like a book or movie. it was perfect, and it was.

But then we had our son and I got hurt. I also became very depressed. I was put on a lot of meds in 2011. I'm still currently on them. I find myself not enjoying anything about life(not that I want to die or kill myself). I just mean nothing makes me happy I guess. my boyfriend is the only one who works in our home. he feels unappreciated and used. I totally understand.

I try to do nice things but he seems to not notice or it's not enough. I go days without cleaning my house and I don't care when it's a mess. I have become very mean to my bf and my kids. I yell a lot. I get so annoyed when anyone wants or needs something from me. I don't cook dinner anymore. my bf and I stopped doing anything together.

he is upset that I'm hurt and don't work and don't deal with the house. I get upset because all he does is work and hide out in the garage. and when it's time for bed, I just want to stay up and do my own thing. he still wants to be intimate but i'm almost disgusted by him. I know I'm pushing him away. I know i'm mean and unloving towards him. but I don't know why.

I know I love him. I want to be with him. I just don't know why i'm always mad and push everyone away.

Should I leave him and let him be happy, even though I don't want to? is there stuff I can do to get our relationship back on track? I'm so confused. does anyone think it's from the pain meds?

I really don't want to give up on my family. Can anyone help, please?

Dear Heather,

This does sound like a medication problem as well as the possibility of Postpartum Depression. I don't know how long you've been on pain pills, but they are generally opiates that depress the central nervous system, and may increase an existing depression problem.

All the symptoms you described point toward having Depression. Don't make any radical decisions in your life until you have consulted a gynecologist and a psychiatrist. You probably need different medications.

Take care of yourself.

Aladdin

Comments for i'm so confused. how can I fix myself to fix my relationship?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 28, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		add on info i forgot
by: Anonymous

I forgot to mention there have been some cheating issues on his side. I have found him talking intimately with other girls on the phone and internet, that's when I really started to pull away. he hasn't done anything since but I can't let it go and he never spends time with me or our kids. the only time he pays attention to me is when he wants sex. I feel used. he always wants to house clean and tells me i'm a bad mom and don't take care of the kids but I do it really hard.

I felt like going back to school would motivate me to want to get up and be a better person, meet new people and be the happy person I used to be. but he don't want me going to school. he laughed at the thought of it. he has also been bringing his old relationships and I don't know the meaning of that. i'm still super-hurt and depressed all the time. i'm sure it has to do with my meds and postpartum.

I want to change. I see the bad in me but he needs to change too. i'm just wondering if he is how he is because of me, if I change will he ????? who knows, right. I don't want to put off the wedding but I don't think it is the right idea getting married not knowing where i'm at with my feelings about myself, let alone my relationship.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Relationship and Counseling Forum.

Eugene Kayser Marriage Therapist

Gene Kayser uses the Gottman Method Couples Therapy system with it's proven techniques & strategies for couples who want to save their relationship. This is a "nuts and bolts" approach based on 40 years of research & treatment.

For a free 20 minute consultation, Call or Text:

(215) 813-8633
"You gave us counseling without making either one of us feel that you were taking sides.
You always maintained your impartiality with us. You encouraged Rita to be more assertive in stating what she wanted to get from your counseling sessions, as well as what she wanted to get from the relationship.
You taught both of us better communication between ourselves, which lead to an emotional comfort level between us that didn't exist before.
You took control of the direction of the session if things were not moving along.
Thanks so much
for helping us."

Rita and Mark

If you would like to receive the Couples Guide Newsletter containing articles on relationships, please sign up below.


Visit  The Relationship Forum  to get and give advice on your relationship issues.

If you're struggling with your relationship, this is the place to talk about it!
Our counselors will answer your questions.
And you, our readers, can offer advice from your experience.