Men’s Mental Health Challenge

[HFBPA889]

I have been very fortunate and I have a lot to be grateful for, I have given this some thought and I believe my health, the health of my wife and kids is unquestionably most important.

We have nothing without good health!

 

[.204smokechaser]

I’ll bump this one back up. At the end of the day, we need to take care of ourselves and family.

I let work get in the way this spring to a point where I lost my cool last Friday. Working a lot of hours this early in the year through some stressful stuff led me to not doing what I enjoy to do or not have the desire to go out and hunt, fish, hike, ride my motorcycle, or golf.

The last week, I had a lot of hallucinations similar from the past gruesome medicals I’ve been on and from the times I’ve seen people that I knew well killed. It was to a point where I didn’t sleep some nights.

I reached out to my first responder buddies and bosses and I’m taking the foreseeable time off to not care about work, get medical and counseling help, and have fun again. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Take care of yourselves guys and gals. Switch up your career field if you have to, it’s never too late, although there are trade offs like retiring earlier than most.

 

[Yoder]

Low T can cause a lot of the symptoms. I had mine checked in February and it was 262. I started TRT the last week in February. After 3 months my total T was 650. I lost 15lbs and most importantly, I feel better. I have more drive to things, and I am less depressed. The weight loss was more me feeling like going to the gym and not eating because I was bored. They recommended I increase the dose slightly to see if things get even better. I decided to leave it alone for a few more months to see where things are when I lose another 20lbs.

 

[jahaze]

Praying for all the dads out there today. Whether you are a new dad, old, old dad, adopted dad, forgotten dad, or cherished dad. Don't give up, you are not alone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[benkahle9]

Thanks for posting this thread

 

[Howdoyoulikemenow]

I’ll update my journey as I’ve chimed in onto this thread previously.

Short story. Wife blind sided me 100% in 2020. Never even had a hint… totally devastated me. Yada,yada. Years of anger, anguish and feeling like I was worthless. Nightmares like your couldn’t believe. Sleep deprivation. Didn’t want a damn thing to do with women. When I did get to the point where I started dating I wouldn’t let anyone in. My heart was closed off. Lost a couple of good women and broke their hearts. I hated that.l about myself.

Friends told me that to move forward that I needed to forgive her. No F’ing way!!!! I’ll die first. Damn near did.

Late last year I read a book by Dale Carnegie. The chapter on forgiveness changed my life. I said aloud to God that I forgive that person. That moment was one of the most powerful moments of my life. It was like trying to hold onto the bow line of a boat while standing on a dock during a storm and just letting the rope slip from my hands and watch the storm take the boat (and my pain) away. I was released.

Since then I sleep well. No more nitemares. No more feeling worthless. A beautiful woman said “hi” to me one day and since that day my life has never been the same. I feel good. I smile. I laugh. I’m attending church now. I’m not a born again man but I have questions. I’m open for learning.

This is my story. I was in a dark, dark place. I had some horrible thoughts. I shutter over those. Please. If you’re in a similar situation consider forgiveness. It might just save your life.

 

[The Fat Coyote]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

 

[Jmort1754]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

My advice is you can't stay in a failing relationship for the kids, they will be the ones who suffer in the end.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

You are me, three years ago. I was staying in the marriage for my daughter and slowly killing myself in the process. A friend of mine finally got through to me by telling me, “when the airplane loses cabin pressure, you put on your own mask first, then help the people around you.” If you are a wreck, you won’t be the man your children need. Put on your mask. Climb out of the burning wreckage and get strong enough to be there for your loved ones.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[CJohnson]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

I don’t have any good advice for you, but I would seek some trusted counseling from someone who knows both you and your wife. As a kid of divorced parents, I’m very thankful that my parents made that decision. I’ll be praying for your family.

 

[Rapp8507]

It’s tough being a man in today’s world. It’s easy to beat ourselves up and bring ourselves down, often forgetting what we have to appreciate. I’m going to update and bump this thread at least weekly, my plan is to state something I’m thankful for and maybe sometimes things I struggle with.
This can be an open forum for discussion, an outlet, a place to vent or my main intent; remind ourselves that no matter how dark life seems to be, we can brighten it up together.

I went squirrel hunting a few weeks ago and ran into a couple guys that invited myself and kids to tag along on the youth pheasant opener. I’m still pretty new to the area, I’m thankful for this.

Guys, tell me something you have to live for, something you appreciate. Struggling with life? A relationship? Kids? Work? You’re not alone, lots of us are so let’s talk about it. Need someone to talk to? PM me.

I find that prioritizing a daily exercise regimen is one of the best things I ever did for mental health. I spent years in the daily grind prioritizing work and “ not having the time” for a regular exercise routine. It took years, but I finally recognized that the priority needs to be on health. Exercise helps you deal with stress. Lower stress allows you to reap rewards across your life ( family, work, financial).

 

[Rich M]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

SHE needs some hormones.

You need a break - just a vacation, go fishing, hunting, spend a week on the beach alone yelling at the clouds, something. Then decide what you gotta do.

After my first marriage, I'm not a give all for nothing kind of guy anymore. I'd tell wife the game plan and the rules, then showed her how the door works. If she wants out - there's the door.

 

[The Fat Coyote]

Thank you all for the insight, it's greatly appreciated, good to know guys have made it through situations like this

 

[Yoder]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

I got married to my first wife at 19. Our son was born a few months later. She became a complete mess during and after the pregnancy. Depression, eating disorder, it was living hell. I solved it by drinking a lot and wasting money. She decided another child would fix it so we had a second child. Things continued to suck for another 4 years. I continued to drink. She had an affair that she told me about shortly before we divorced. We were together 17 years. They weren't all bad but most of them were. My best friend at the time called me the king of pain, because I just stayed and suffered. She never went to therapy or took any medication. She finally started doing a lot better after we divorced and she actually got a job. I kept telling her sitting in the house by yourself thinking all day wasn't good for anyone.

Second wife. We were together about a year, everything was really great until we found out her terrible headaches were caused by a brain tumor. After her brain surgery she was a different person. She would ask me the same questions over and over. She was almost in a daze for a few months. I was so scared the person I knew wasn't there anymore. Eventually she recovered but started having some serios mental health issues. PTSD flashbacks, visual and auditory hallucinations. She got so bad that she would only leave the bedroom to go to the bathroom and eat. She went from a fun, independent woman with a decent job to lying in bed on disability. One thing about her is she is not a quitter. She went to multiple therapists and treatment centers. One happened to have a doctor that dealt with veterans and finally prescribed her some medications that helped with her hallucinations. We were together about 7 years at this time, and we finally got married. She was better, but still a mess. I found a treatment center in Florida that took my insurance and the guy that ran the place worked with us. She was there about 4 months. That was the turning point for her. I've never seen anyone suffer as much as her and come through the other side. Since then, she is still fighting the demons, but she is back to her old self. She works full time as a store manager and is doing awesome.

I'm telling you all this for one reason. She has to want to get better. She has to fight like her life depends on it, because it does. She needs to think about how she is affecting your children. You can't do it for her. If she isn't willing to try, you need to take those kids and get them into a safe normal environment. Staying in a toxic relationship is not good for your kids, they will be better off with you alone and you will probably be happier.

I hope this helps. I have had several people I love suffer from mental illness. One died, and the rest finally recovered but it took a lot of work. She has to realize there is a problem, and she needs to deal with it.

 

[TaperPin]

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

There are some principles for dealing with difficult relationships that apply to all situations.

It’s good you realize this is a difficult situation that doesn’t have easy answers. If you were in denial or the misconception that all relationships are his challenging I’d worry about you, but it sounds like you have decent self awareness and you’re gonna figure out how to make the best of a bad situation.

Like it or not some people have crazy right under the surface and it comes out as they age, have some medical event, or just get worse at hiding it. It doesn’t matter if it’s always been there or not, it is what it is now.

Over the years with both my own difficult relationships and those of a few close friends, between years of counseling and common sense a universal truth is you need to keep level headed, especially since you’re the adult in the situation. Don’t shy away from friends or doing things that are good stress relievers. Getting better at stress management makes you more durable.

You can’t fix or change someone unless they want it, so stop fooling yourself. The old saying of bringing a horse to water and not getting them to drink has a lot of wisdom in it. If things are jacked up a good goal can just be figuring out how to coexist together with as little drama as possible and leave fixing her for another day. You already make accommodations giving her opportunities to do healthy things and that’s good, but pressuring her probably isn’t helping.

As a practice matter finding ways to cope with the difficult parts is cumulative and helps everyone. After my fiancé had her clock rung in a skiing accident, some days she just had to go stay with her daughter because just being in the same house made her nuts. With her first husband without he head injury, the basement was her get away. It could be any little thing that gives one or both of you a brake, but they add up.

Don’t get drawn into drama. It’s not being a heartless sob to not want to argue, to not want to share whatever emotion she’s going through, and ultimately to not have her actions and emotions affect your emotions. It’s tough to do, but you gotta be tough. One of the core ideas with many programs dealing with codependent problems, is to set boundaries and not let their craziness effect you.

There comes a point when you figure out how to coexist, communicate, take care of your mental health, understand the situation, you’re head is screwed in good, etc. and the counselor or old wise friend will say there’s not always a happy ending and the hard truth is you have to decide if it’s worth it.

As a final idea that seems to be somewhat universal, is the idea of changing negative self talk that doesn’t help. If a thought isn’t constructive something as simple as reminding yourself “not helpful” and stopping that thought for that moment will eventually grow into he ability to have better control overall. What we think about and tell ourselves influence how feel about others and ourselves. This is especially true with depression, but it can be life changing.

Hang in there, you aren’t the first or last person going through this. When you’re 60 you’ll be able to share with someone what your journey was and what you learned along the way. When that person is 60 they will do the same.

 

[TaperPin]

If someone has strong religious beliefs or an addiction to Disney movies close your ears.

Im not above the poor me sob post:

I am hitting a new low depression wise.
I have been married for 5 years. After our first born, my wifes mental health declined quite a bit. She became depressed and started having delusions, thinking people were giving her dirty looks nearly everywhere we went. I didn't think anything of it, considered it could be related to postpartum depression. 4 years later, i was encouraging her to get back into the workforce, telling her it would help her. she stopped taking her birthcontrol without telling me. And although we had an agreement that I could only financially support one child, we ended up having a second. Her mental health has declined even more. She has become accident prone and self obsessed in addition to all of these delusions from before. Her health, mental health, and accidents have put me in debt that I will not recover from for possibly 10 years.
Her mother is a diagnosed narcissist, I don't think that sort of thing is genetic, so I assumed she was probably safe from it but it seems like things are moving that way. I've tried to combat her mental health decline with overwhelming positivity and support. I stopped pushing her when she told me it was too much. I just tried to give her everything she needs but its like trying to hold water in your hands, none of it ever counts for anything the next day.

Today I feel like her mental health has finally eroded my walls. I feel lower than I have ever felt. I use to exercise, shoot a bow, see my friends, all of which I can't do anymore without her feeling like im taking away something from her. I plan days for her to hang out with her friends in hopes it will boost her mental health, but again its like water through fingers.

I've contemplated filing for a divorce many times. I feel like its my burden as a father to stay with her for the sake of our children, even if it kills me. Even though she is mentally ill, she is still a decent mother, and I would never want to separate her from out children, for their sake, but if I did file for a divorce i would have to file for custody considering her mental health.

I feel stuck in a situation that is eroding my health.
But im strapped in and gonna weather the storm for the kids.

One other thing that isn’t said enough is you can be the most emotionally tough guy in the county, put up will all sorts of crap for years and years and guess what you get as a reward. Nothing, not even a T-shirt. Friends don’t appreciate it, your ex won’t appreciate it, kids don’t appreciate it, mother in laws won’t appreciate it, even your local preacher who encouraged you to make it work won’t have a single good comment for you. A close friend did himself in because of the emotional toll his crazy wife put him through. Guess who said they were glad he tried to tough it out? Nobody.

Relationships should be win-win, or you’re trying to live a Halmark movie, or country song lyric. Ask anyone who’s been out of a crazy relationship for a few years and not a single one will say they wished they stuck it out longer. Hell, you might be also be the crazy ex in her mind, that she’s glad to be rid of.

Pretending to be in a healthy relationship can also turn into teaching kids to accept toxic relationships as normal. If your son or daughter were in your situation, what you hope they would do to have a healthy relationship and happy life? Model that behavior.

Anyway, it’s easy for me to say, I got away from the crazy.

 

[CRJR45]

If someone has strong religious beliefs or an addiction to Disney movies close your ears.

One other thing that isn’t said enough is you can be the most emotionally tough guy in the county, put up will all sorts of crap for years and years and guess what you get as a reward. Nothing, not even a T-shirt. Friends don’t appreciate it, your ex won’t appreciate it, kids don’t appreciate it, mother in laws won’t appreciate it, even your local preacher who encouraged you to make it work won’t have a single good comment for you. A close friend did himself in because of the emotional toll his crazy wife put him through. Guess who said they were glad he tried to tough it out? Nobody.

Relationships should be win-win, or you’re trying to live a Halmark movie, or country song lyric. Ask anyone who’s been out of a crazy relationship for a few years and not a single one will say they wished they stuck it out longer. Hell, you might be also be the crazy ex in her mind, that she’s glad to be rid of.

Pretending to be in a healthy relationship can also turn into teaching kids to accept toxic relationships as normal. If your son or daughter were in your situation, what you hope they would do to have a healthy relationship and happy life? Model that behavior.

Anyway, it’s easy for me to say, I got away from the crazy.

This ^ Spot on ! Did it for years , toughed it out , buried my self under everyone else’s bullshit .
She left me after three bluffs , in 19 years , I’d take her back every time , fourth time was the charm.
I said no when she wanted to reconcile.
Life got so much better .
Also , my 18 year old stepdaughter chose to stay with me .
Life is too short to be miserable.
I wish I’d said no the first time she left , looking back .

 

[The Fat Coyote]

On the topic, in the world of professional target archery, a well known Wisconsin pro lost his battle to depression. The guy was an amazing shooter, won 10k shootoffs in vegas, ran the table at leagues, made an impact in the open class at the Lancaster Classic. Nobody really knew what he was dealing with under the surface. Depression can get anybody.
I appreciate all of you guys on here.
this is a good thread.

 

[TaperPin]

This ^ Spot on ! Did it for years , toughed it out , buried my self under everyone else’s bullshit .
She left me after three bluffs , in 19 years , I’d take her back every time , fourth time was the charm.
I said no when she wanted to reconcile.
Life got so much better .
Also , my 18 year old stepdaughter chose to stay with me .
Life is too short to be miserable.
I wish I’d said no the first time she left , looking back .

I wish I had a T-shirt with a catchy logo to give you, but like we all know, you don’t even get a lousy T-shirt for all that heartburn. Good to hear you made it out.