@anita

Thank you for your thoughtful reply! How are you today?

I really appreciate the imagery that you have been using in your replies. It paints quite the picture. In attempting to help someone else you can certainly drown. I think being subject to ongoing verbal abuse is holding me back when it comes to looking after my own mental health. I’m sure my husband would be happy if I overcame anticipating arguments and the associated defensiveness. Perhaps this is something that could not be achieved while abuse is ongoing? Certainly, at least it would be more difficult to achieve.

Sadly, I would agree that trauma, abuse and mental health issues are common throughout society.