Hi Zeba,

You don’t have to stay in a toxic relationship. You can gradually begin the process of letting go, if that’s what you think is right. Try to focus and listen instead of becoming overwhelmed. It might help to sit down and write about who you want to become and what you want to do say, six months in the future, a brainstorm of possibilities. And then go back and create what might be a sequence of steps to getting there. You can always amend these steps, but the point is to try and move forward each day, instead of falling deeper into the darkness. Every day you can get a little bit better. Try to focus on this hope instead of becoming lost in the darkness.

Is there someone out there who you trust who can help you through this process? Try to surround yourself with the best people possible. The police department can also help.

And you know what else might be good advice? I have found since I have started trying to help other people, that my own life starts to become a little better. I think it is instead of living in darkness, we are moving closer toward goodness when we help other people, without expecting anything in return. Just something to consider as you move forward toward all the possibilities in the future.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by Mark.