Dear robert:

“I’m more looking for advice on how to deal with the depression of the whole situation, if you have any?”-

– a big part of depression is feeling powerless to change the difficult circumstances of our lives. Seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, no hope, feeling stuck in a bad place, a bad situation.

This is why a plan of action is most important- planning and following practical steps to correct a difficult situation, or in your case- to exit it.

Every day, as you follow that practical plan of action, as you exert therefore some power  over your life, or at least, you are working toward exerting power over your life, at the end of the day say to yourself: today, I did all that I can do.

The Serenity Prayer states: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference”.

When you witness any particular distressing situation in your home, ask yourself: is this something I can change or something I should try to change right now? If it  is, do so. If it isn’t- accept it, let it be, there is nothing for you to do. Take a few slow, deep breath, say to yourself: this too shall pass and attend to your children.

(Perhaps your plan of action should include collecting evidence of her behavior at home- ask your lawyer regarding collecting evidence/ documenting her abusive behavior, times, dates and so forth).

anita