Creating a plan

My husband has bipolar schizoaffective disorder. He stops taking his meds and he gets mentally and emotionally abusive. My mental health and self-esteem has diminished terribly. I do believe he could become physically abusive. I am working on saving money to leave. I have talked to him multiple times about not stopping his medication because I can not take how he treats me anymore when he is off his meds. I am originally from Arkansas but I moved to Idaho when I got married. All my friends and family are all in Arkansas. I dont know anyone here I feel so alone. I was hoping that someone could tell me how to create a plan on what to do if he tries to hurt me. Please! :folded_hands:

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Can you locate a women’s crisis center for domestic violence near you? Making plans to leave an abusive situation is what they are set up to do. They will know how to help you. Take care of yourself.

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I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this right now thank you for reaching out here and sharing in this space!
Oftentimes the illness can isolate not only the person who has it but those who are involved with them.
I agree with hope reaching out to women’s shelter domestic would be a quick way to learn a effective plan!
Are you able to share with any family or friends what is going on in your life at this point.
a family member or friend who knew might be able to help you in time of that crisis .
If you do not already do this
You feel a situation is getting heated please keep your keys and your phone on you and discreetly try to stand as close to the door as possible so that you can leave when you need to.
I hope you start finding the tools to create your plan your mental health is important .

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I’d recommend taking what you can carry, and the documents you need for yourself and ‘making that plan’ and “saving” while in the safety of a women’s shelter. I think you will have access to some type of legal aide in the shelter. You are very right to be concerned, and your safety has to be the number one goal. In addition, if possible, take advantage of whatever mental health care becomes available for you. Please take care of yourself at every turn.

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Well I am so sorry to hear about this. I dealt with a schizophrenic brother for decades and they can and will ruin your life and put you in danger if you let them. It’s really tough.

You were given advice to go to a shelter. Please do and discuss your situation with them. You mentioned all your friends and family are in Arkansas. Talk to the people at the shelter about this. Let them help you put your life back together and then you will be in a position to make the choices you have to make. Maybe your future is in Arkansas, after you stabilize yourself here.

Best of luck. You can’t help anyone unless you can take care of yourself too. Put yourself first and don’t feel guilty about it. Believe me, I speak from experience. These people can and will be vampires if you allow it. Remember that.

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Call your domestic violence shelter and they can help you create a plan. If you need to go there for safety they may have rooms. Also, they may have a therapist you can talk to. Good luck-

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I’m so sorry you’re going through this difficult time with your husband, especially that you’re all alone so far away from friends and relatives. Our loved ones can be unrecognizable when they’re off meds and they can also be unaware of the consequences of their actions, so you need to take steps to ensure your safety. In addition to finding a women’s shelter, please consider filing a restraining order. Don’t wait until there’s physical abuse as emotional and mental abuse and frightening you repeatedly are enough grounds. Keep a log on your phone with dates and events. Restraining orders can take effect in a day or two. Please take care!

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