Originally posted by: AV25
Thank you so much for creating this space. It was very much needed for me especially during this pandemic time.
Even my depression link has to do with toxic people. Am married for two n a half years now. Am not bringing any saas bahu type story, but it is a fact. My mother in law is the biggest reason for depression. I was so happy person before marriage. I had severe problems with my husband during the first year of marriage. During our honeymoon itself I thought of divorcing him. But i couldn't, coz i loved him n i still love him even though there r fights. But his mother is just a toxic person. She acts like a psycho with me when we r alone in the house. She has tried several times to separate me from my husband. She manipulates him so much that within few days my husband's behaviour is changed towards me. She does not let me enter the kitchen. There r times when I slept on empty stomach. Mine is arranged marriage. Before marriage they were so nice. But it was a terrible shock to see their true colours after marriage. My husband is short temperd. His temper issues were horrible initially, now its reduced at the cost of my deteriorating health. My husband never listened to me or believed me when I told him about his mother. Instead he would scold me. I was so shocked n depressed, i had consulted marriage counsellor. They were doing their job but still it didn't change my life. I started giving up n one day attempted to end my life. My biggest mistake of my life. I realised it when i saw my parents totally shocked and tensed coz my blunder. I still feel guilty n probably this guilt will go with me. Then I saw some change in my husband. But my MIL has turned even more vicious n toxic. My health isn't getting better yet. I have a paralysed leg which will take time to recover. I do not know where my life is heading.
One good thing happened during my troubled time is i reluctantly took up a job as a Kindergarten teacher. My parents n family suggested me to tame up a job coz that would keep me away from that toxic lady for some time. And.. Yes. It was a right decision. I actually hated teaching job all my life. I didn't want to study after marriage, that's the reason I finished my masters in English literature and then got married. But life is not what we want or what we think. I took up Kindergarten teaching training soon after marriage and i did well. I enjoyed those 6 months of training. Immediately after my exams I applied for job, and I got. But i had to wait for 2 months for the school to start its new academic year. Those 2 months were even more horrible. Thanks to my students. Or i should say my children who gave that unconditional love n respect which i was longing for since my marriage. Due to the pandemic n cost cutting my school fired all newly employed teachers including me. I miss my children so much.. Am in to depression again. And i don't find online consultation with the therapist satisfactory. I want to go in person.. That's how I thought of visiting India forums after a long time. And to my luck i found this thread.
Sorry for my long story but i wanted to share coz i want to feel light though for a short time.
Welcome to the club🤗
I will not say I am sorry you have to go through so much pain. Because I believe these challenges will make you strong. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Ands please do not think you are worthless. Because you are not. You can start your own daycare. Virtual day care. When I was going through so much pain, I asked God I have been so kind to everyone why am I receiving so much pain? I got the answers and that was I was fixing others and I wanted the return from them.
If you don’t mind I can say this. You are focusing a lot on your mother in law and husband. Which is fine but by doing that you are ignoring your worth. You are ignoring your dreams, your passion, your existence. Like how you tried to end your life but thank God you survived. Right? Grab a pen and paper and write down what makes You happy. Just change your approach to everything. Whenever your mother in law treats you terribly, respond her with a smile. Mark my words she will get the biggest shock of her life. God created you for You, not for your husband or mother in law. Believe me you have a hidden talent.
Does your parents tell you how happy they were when you came into the world and holded you into their arms and had so many dreams about you? A time when you were sad and they got worried and did so many things to cheer you up? I am sure they love you so much and pray to God that to protect you and give you a long life.
Have you thought of blogging? Starting a YouTube channel? Or even podcast? You must have a passion about something. That makes you happy. Don’t think your life is pointless because your mother in law treats you horrible and your husband does not support you. What if God planned something big for you? Buy a journal, write everything down. Create your worth, be independent, your own boss. Make new friends. Right things will happen when you listen to your heart. If your MIL is toxic, stay away from her. Buy a small fridge, have enough food, fruits and water. Fight back, not by raising voices but by through your kind behavior. Prove to your parents and husband that you are a warrior. Never do anything that will make you a weak person. I cannot predict how your relation will go with your husband. But I will say as time changes, people changes, feelings changes.
I have been there where people seen me a shy, quiet and took advantage and I fought back hard. Your journey is different. God showed you the real faces, when God shows you the real faces, don’t paint them. I think you are a very nice person and your upbringing has been very good where it has been taught being good brings back kindness.
Think about yourself. This is my personal belief that we are not in this world to get married and pay bills. We have a much bigger responsibility. God has gifted you one or multiple talents that will help the world. Find that talent that makes your day full of hope, smile and inner peace. Spend one week on different careers and see if you like studying that topic. For myself, I love talking to people and helping them. Designing clothes, sometimes cooking. Do a research. You can start blogging today for free.
When I was growing up, people knew me as someone’s sister or daughter and I would get annoyed. I wanted to have my own identity and you know what? I do. It took a lot of pain and courage but today people know me as myself. Just change your approach. Dream big.
My biggest dream is to attend Ted talk. So I am exploring how can I be unique to attend Ted Talk. Search is still on. Maybe follow up with your old friends or teachers who knows you well and could identify your hidden talent.
Never think of ending your life. It will not change toxic people. Get counseling with a different therapist and this time do not search a marriage counselor, search a counselor who is willing to work with you. Invite positive people into your life, your life is too precious to end it. Be in touch with your parents, talk to them about your passion and dream. Just don’t waste time on toxic people. If you interact with them, respond with a very positive attitude because you let you know their toxic behavior cannot control you. Wish them well, offer help. But make life #1 priority. Maybe then your husband will realize that you are a gem. Even if he does not, you will meet amazing people. Don’t lock yourself. Life is so beautiful. Go for walks, hikes, boating. Explore. Take a break from everything and enjoy.
Please share your hobbies with us. And I dearly thank you for joining the club and sharing your journey. And I pray today begins a new chapter of your life.