He’s been sexting my friend

I left my husband seven years ago as we had grown apart. Since then, things have been difficult in my personal life. I feel chronically depressed. My eldest daughter didn’t speak to me for three years after I left. I am now reconciled with her but I was heartbroken and nearly took my own life. My youngest daughter was my rock and still is. I have been with my current partner for six years and I love him very much. Two years ago he was drunk and I found sexy messages on his phone to one of my so-called friends – they were saying they loved each other. I also caught them holding hands when I was driving us all home one night. When I confronted him, he said they were just drunken messages and meant nothing. Some weeks he drinks as much as 50 pints, and spends most weekends drinking with his friends. I don’t know why I stay with him as he does not show me the love and respect I deserve. Sometimes I have suicidal thoughts but I would not do anything because of my children. It is awful that you are feeling sad enough to be having suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, when people are so unhappy, they get to the point of feeling that their loved ones would be better off without them, but this is never the case. Suicide is always devastating for those left behind, so if you are ever feeling this desperate, please get help immediately. Call the Samaritans (samaritans.org, 116 123), or contact Pieta House (pieta.ie, 1800 257 247) for support and counselling. You should also see your GP for antidepressants. I am glad you are now getting on well with both daughters but I think your relationship is making you very unhappy. I suspect your self-esteem must be very low as you do not have the courage to leave him – hopefully counselling might make you feel stronger. In the meantime, you need to talk to your partner. Explain that you love him but are desperately unhappy and ask him to contact Alcoholics Anonymous (alcoholicsanonymous.ie).