no choices

Hi @seamusunsean

Sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time at the moment. What kind of things have been helpful during times like this?

Take care

jac-in-the-box

Hi @seamusunsean

its a bit unclear did your pug Gerble pass away?

perhaps i misunderstood, it sounds like things are feeling worse right now, and maybe unmanageble alone?

I know that you have spoken about difficulties with family but do you have anyone else that you could speak with during times like this? a friend / neighbor? or have you ever called Lifeline 13114 or mens helpline 1300 78 99 78?

Hi @seamusunsean

We have had a change of moderator so Froginthepond is here until midnight. I'm really concerned to read how low you are feeling and that you seem to be having thoughts about ending your life. I can see that you have had a tough time being separated from your boys and going through family court processes. This is very stressful.

Suicidal thoughts are common when people feel depressed and alone. However it's important to realise that this is the depression talking, and you in a different situation, on a different day would not feel this way.

Many people on the forum have their own experiences of depression and suicidality, and will have words of support and wisdom to offer you. If your suicidal thinking is strong today, I urge you to call a helpline like Lifeline 13 11 14 anytime. It's vital that you get immediate support and keep yourself safe. I will also email you.

I'm glad you have your doggie back for now, he will be a great comfort. I want you to consider the impact of your death on your sons. When a parent has suicided, the impact on their children can be severe and increase the risk of those children having their own mental health problems. Your boys need you.

Please seek help to get through the next days and weeks until you feel differently. I'll keep in touch with you tonight.

Kind regards,

Susan

That's good that you don't want to die, and important to think about reasons for living. Your boys being a big one.

Maybe you do need to stop fighting for a while and focus on looking after you and getting healthy and balanced again.

Whatever happens right now in custody arrangements, you will always be your boys' Dad and no one can take that away from you. The best way you can be Dad to them is get well and then take the next steps in being more involved in their lives.

This means accepting help. Has anyone else been in this situation of limited contact with their children and how did they cope? Thanks for your contributions already @Appleblossom

best wishes,

Frog

Hi there. Please dont give up. May I ask how old your kids are? Just wanted to let you know that I came from parents who divorced when I was 3 and I too lived with my mum and sister. BUT I always loved my father dearly and did see him on weekends. I know that you said you arent able to see them yet, but maybe that will change in future. When I was around 14, I ended up running away to live with my dad. I chose to live with him when I had was old enough to understand that I wanted to. So perhaps yours will too. I just wanted to instil some hope in you and to let you know to hold your head up high and keep trucking on. Try and be as much as part of your childrens lives as possible without breaking any rules so they know you care. When you are down, please go outside to breathe some fresh air. Exercise regualary to release serotonin in your brain. Join a free training group to make sure you interract with other people and believe me, your kids love you probably more than you know.