I don't know what to feel anymore...

Feb 3, 2017 11:51 AM

A few months back I broke up with my fiance (we had been together about 6 years) because the relationship became too toxic and abusive (physically, emotionally and psychologically) for me to handle. Even though I loved her dearly I couldn't keep fighting with her so one night after a big fight, I broke things off with her.

While we were together we had had talks about suicide before and I had brought it up in private to her sister and mom to make sure they were aware of it, but we had many nights of me talking her down from her suicidal frame of mind. I suggested that we go get help together but she constantly refused and told me that I was her sole reason for living and that she would have nothing to live for if I left. I called suicide hotline for advice, I tried talking to her about it when she was in a good place, I tried everything I knew how to. However with how things were in our relationship, it just got too difficult to maintain what we had and I was forced to leave because I no longer had a relationship with my friends or family and she was an emotional and mental wreck. I understand what I did was selfish but after 6 years of trying to fix things I just wasn't able to keep it up any more.

The month after our breakup we didn't talk much (hardly at all) and she unfriended me on Facebook but she kept her privacy settings on public, so I would check her Facebook page regularly to make sure she was still posting and that she was still OK. I was in a weird place where I still loved her and cared about her and her well being but I just couldn't continue with what we were doing. I knew I had hurt her and wanted to know that she was still alive and well.

About the 1.5 month mark, after posting several breakup posts per week, I noticed she stopped posting on her Facebook wall and started seeing posts from her family and friends about how she'll be missed and how she was gone too soon. I had a complete breakdown. I called her mom and sister in a panic and her sister explained that she was gone and explained about an upcoming memorial service for her. I didn't go to school or work the following week, I broke down and have spent the past few weeks in a drunk stupor trying to make sense of everything. My family is encouraging me to seek therapy or psychological help to help process what's going on, but I just feel like this is all my fault.

I keep telling myself that I had no way of controlling this but I feel like I could have done things differently and that she would still be here if I had stuck with our relationship. I'm a fucking mess right now and honestly just need a hug and someone to talk to more than anything. It's 4:05 am and I haven't been able to sleep in weeks. I don't know what to do and I feel like I'm stuck in a sort of daze.

Her memorial service was yesterday... I didn't go. I couldn't go. I'm scared that her family will also blame me for driving her to this. I don't want them to view me as the monster that drove her to this. I have a huge swell of emotions washing through me and the only outlet I have at 4am is you guys. I feel guilty and selfish and remorseful. I don't know what to do or how to handle any of this. I wish I could just turn the clock back and fix everything. I still loved her and wanted the best for her. She was an amazing person and I wish things could have worked out.

I'm sorry for the long rant, it's late, I'm hurting and just needed to let some of it out..

Tldr; fiance said she would kill herself if I ever left- we broke up and she actually did it. I feel like a selfish piece of shit and that it's all my fault...

It was her choice, that is the ultimate answer. Don't blame yourself, friend. Remember her for her beauty and honor her by staying strong.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you for your words of reassurance, it means a lot to me. I will do my best to stay strong. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

She was suicidal before you, with you, and without you. If anything you helped her live for 6 more years.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you for helping me see it differently. I just wish I had made things better in that 6 years to help turn it around.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Dude if she refused to get help repeatedly, what more could you do? You probably would have had a fight one day and the same would happen.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I've thought about this, I don't know which way would have been better or worse. I just wish it had been different.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's not your fault. You were a hostage and it was toxic for both of you. She was responsible for her actions. Hang in there buddy.

9 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's not your fault @OP, the decisions she made were hers and hers alone

9 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Please take the advice of your family and try to find some therapy to help you talk this out @op

9 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

Will do. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What you did was NOT selfish. It was very reasonable. Anyone, man or woman, who is in an abusive relationship needs to do their best 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 40 Dislikes 0

Even non-abusive... You're allowed to leave a relationship. For any reason. If you weren't happy, it's not healthy. I feel for you.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

To get out of it. You had no obligation to stay and "be responsible" for her sickness. IMO you went above and beyond what most would do 2/2

9 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

I needed to hear that.. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

In this reality we should put our salves first. How can you take care of others if you don't take care of yourself? I hope you find peace.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I hope so to. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You are welcome. Just remember you did everything you could. Don't punish yourself. Depression is an enigma. You deserve to be happy.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I know it is hard, but i think you should take a visit at her family. Her sister wouldn't tell you about the memorial if she wouldnt (1)

9 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

...want you there. Maybe they'll say negative things, but later you'll feel crap if you wont go. Stay strong, i know that you're a good soul

9 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I'm sure they did want me there I just didn't have the inner strength or courage to go to it. I wouldn't have been able to handle it.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Definitely talk to someone about this to deal with it before if festers. You did nothing wrong but will still feel it for a while

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I know this is going to stick with me for a long time. A lot of it hasn't even processed fully yet.. Will seek help.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Mental illness is an awful disease. You're not at fault. Keep your head up and keep smiling.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Awful indeed. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

There was something wrong long before you came into the picture. You did nothing wrong

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Told the family, encouraged therapy and tried for years, left for valid reason. You did what you could. Your life /= being her caretaker. <3

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Some people have a darkness inside that no one but that person can fight. You did everything you could, please don't blame yourself

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Thank you, I appreciate that.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"I suggested that we go get help together but she constantly refused..." The ball was in her court. Mental illness is hard, but it's still

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

up to the patient to have to want to get help and do something about it. You couldn't have forced her to get better. It was up to her. I'm

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

sure wherever she is now she knows that and is grateful that you tried.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thank you, and I sure hope so...

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

1 Pleased not to see a-hole comments that I expected to see. 2 Venting to community is not the same as prof. help. Pls seek it for your good

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Will seek help. Just really needed some people to talk to at 4 am. I will be going to somebody for sure though.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Glad to hear. Stay strong, for her memory if nothing else.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You did right , my friend , you cannot control anyones actions no more than you can control the tides of the oceans.

9 years ago | Likes 184 Dislikes 1

I appreciate that.. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Never your fault. You should feel whatever emotion you feel, embrace it, and move on knowing it wasn't your decision. They took their life.

9 years ago | Likes 80 Dislikes 1

Thank you

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I've stood in those shoes. If you suppress and ignore how you feel now you'll just have to deal with it later. But it's not your fault.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My mom committed suicide and I felt like I played a part in it because we had been fighting a lot. Its not your fault OP. If she wasnt 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Willing to get help she would have killed herself eventually anyway. I saw a therapist for 3 years to help me deal with the grief. I 2/3

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Highly recommend it. 3/3

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I so terribly sorry for your loss.. I hope you are at least in an ok place now. I will see somebody soon, I just don't know when.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I'm*

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

You can't stay with someone at the expense of your own sanity and well being. It is heart breaking, but you did the right thing.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

it's not your fault OP

9 years ago | Likes 28 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You tried to help-you called the hotline, you told her family, offered counseling together. Release the guilt, you did what you could.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sounds like you prolonged her life for 6 more years than she would have had without you. You did good OP.

9 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I understand how you feel like it was because of you, but she was unstable (and I'm gonna assume it was long before you met her.) It's p1

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

not your responsibility to carry that emotional burden for someone else's actions and choices. Stay strong. You did the best you could. P2

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Don't try to carry that guilt, it will crush you. Sending good thoughts your way. P3

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you. I appreciate all the good thoughts I can get. Please keep her family in your thoughts as well if you could.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You got it

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thank you very much

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm in a toxic relationship myself and thinking of ending it. Had the same shit thrown at me. It's not your fault.

9 years ago | Likes 205 Dislikes 0

Been there. End it. You deserve better.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I wish I had advice to give you but I'm not in the best of places to do so. I wish you all the best and appreciate your kind words.

9 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

My advice: End them, not yourself. Unless by it you mean the relationship.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I meant ending the relationship. I have no desire to kill myself.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I have been there too. End it. Stick to your guns. I had an ex who threatened to go off his cancer treatment if I left.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 2

Damn. Left a g during his cancer treatments. Rough.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 8

I suppose I should have put that in my original comment.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Well he hit me sooooo.....

9 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I hit my gf. She come at me swinging so I give her a quick open palmed jet li strike to the abdomen. She goes down. Everytime.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Threatening suicide to keep someone in a relationship is abusive. You need to leave. Their choices are their own.

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

You have a right to be in charge of your own destiny. Do not let the suicide sickness trap you into slavery. Not Your Fault.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you. I appreciate that.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Don't even think about it. It's not. your. Fault

9 years ago | Likes 285 Dislikes 2

Thank you. I appreciate that.

9 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 1

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I felt the same way after my brother committed suicide man, took me 2 years to get over the guilt, but there is light at the end of this ???

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

O

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I meant to write that I'm sorry for you're loss.. That must have been devastating. I hope you are better now, and know that I really do 1/

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

appreciate your support. It means a lot having people here who I can talk to and who care. Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Threatening to kill herself if you left was emotional abuse, you had every right to leave.

9 years ago | Likes 958 Dislikes 5

Easy to see when you're not in the situation/ emotionally attached. Not so easy when you're in the relationship and personally involved.

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

I appreciate your support. It's just hard not to think that she'd still be here if I hadn't left.

9 years ago | Likes 139 Dislikes 3

That's probably not the case. If her threats were real, as they obviously were, then she would have done it anyway. Hang in there buddy.

9 years ago | Likes 56 Dislikes 1

Doing my best.

9 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

I agree. She was suicidal before you left. Don't blame yourself for someone else's decisions. I'm sorry this happened. :(

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

I haven't been where you are but I've been close, my ex attempted suicide after I left. It isn't your fault, she was sick and unwilling 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

to get the help she needed. You attempted to fix her, but you aren't a mental health professional. The sun will shine again, my friend

9 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

I'm sorry you had to also go through this. I appreciate your kind words. Thank you

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Just remember that she was suicidal even when you were with her! It's not you. But I'm really sorry for what you're going through. <3

9 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

Thank you

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

If and if and if. You would have stayed hostage, living a miserable life, you would have been both depressed. Focus on healing now 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 119 Dislikes 2

you have a chance to be happy someday in a loveful and SANE relationship. 2/2

9 years ago | Likes 98 Dislikes 1

Thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 40 Dislikes 1

She clearly had issues that weren't being addressed. Thats a medical and professional help needed, not on you

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Absolutely 9001% not your fault. Not even a little bit.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

She might still be alive but neither of you would be really living. Suicide really sucks, but we shouldn't blame ourselves.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You can't control other people's actions or the way your actions make them feel. Seems staying would have been sacrificing your own life.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

If she threatened to kill someone else and did it, would that be your fault, or would it be that she was mentally ill and needed therapy?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

would *you* still be here if you hadn't left? How long could a person tolerate an abusive relationship getting worse before you left us too

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Can beat yourself up. The only thing you can do is move forward. We all wish we could change the past but we can't.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I've been there. I left because I realized I wasn't making it better by staying. I wasn't able to help. She refused treatment, for a 1+

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2+ dangerous condition, and died. Do not dare to repeat her mistakes. Learn from it. Get help. Grief counseling is normal as hell.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

3+ Six years of your life, she wasn't getting better. This was pretty damn inevitable. You wouldn't be kicking yourself if she were diabetic

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

4+ and you were the "only thing keeping her alive" because you cooked and she refused insulin. I only got help a few years back. Needed meds

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Maybe she would, and you'd still be her hostage too. If you spend the rest of your life dead in that relationship, doesn't seem like a gain.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

It's not your fault. My brother went through something similar, and also had to leave. Except his ex got help. You did everything you (1/?)

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

could have done. If the sickness has its roots deep enough, professionals need to be involved. You begged her to go, but if they won't (2/?)

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

help themselves, you can't force them. Her sickness, you being forced to leave, her passing, NONE of it was your fault.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you. I appreciate you saying that, it helps quite a bit.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0