One day at a time
Literally
Sometimes one minute at a time.
I don't think I was an expert on coping..and I still am struggling
You are not coming apart
You are just opening up so that you can heal.
Hugs

Thank you! It is this board and the strong, supportive people on here that have kept me together for the past couple weeks. I'm just feeling so tired and overwhelmed.

Yes i second that. It's just gotta be one day at a time for now.

Writing helped me a lot. I would just type and type and then i'd leave my entries in a hidden folder on my computer. After 4 months I went back and read my entries and it was just amazing how my feelings changed overtime. The first two months they were all painful and raw entries. Then they slowly changed into numbness and confusion. Finally I got to a point where I was writing about how i wanted things to be better for me and I didn't care what he was up to.

If i were you I'd ask my boss for a little more support. You are a manager but still isn't 2 months a long time to be short staffed?

When the break up first happened I called out of work a few times. Or i'd get there but hide somewhere to cry. It will slowly get better. We are here for you.

One minute at a time. One breath at a time.

Not going into work when sick - heartsick counts too.

Take care of yourself, sweet. Hugs xxx

What they said. I didn't call out of work, because he didn't work so I'd be stuck at home with him which was worse. Making as much time for me as I could - going shopping with gf's etc on the weekends.

And just trying to breathe. I actually relished the numbness when it came. But most of the time I just felt like a sinking ship, as you do. You're not sinking tho - for the first time in a long time, you are starting to float, you just don't recognise the feeling. You are strong, you can do this.

Anyone who can survive abuse can and will thrive without it. You have survived SO much. This is the home stretch, this is that point where everything hurts, where it feels like you can't, but the end is in sight so you just do.

It can be so hard to keep your feelings hidden.... when you feel yourself slpping, take a breath, close your eyes for a few seconds and see yourself in the happy place you will be, once your out of there. keep this thought with you when he trys to get you going... when he trys to make you break.

is there any way to carve out some time to do something that you like to do or for yourself? it sounds like you are very stressed out and rightly so, with an abusive partner and more duties at work. Life can be unfair and overwhelming. seems like you are constantly doing.

perhaps just some time for you to breathe, or walk, if it's not too cold. even meet a girl friend for a drink if you have it in you. i know it's hard when it seems theres no time.

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/best-pod-july-2013/

heres a link that i like, about nature to help relax some. hugs.

Thank you so much and thanks for the link Elena. The irony of this whole situation is that for 4 years, until the end of November, I was working, taking online class to get my bachelor, taking care of the house and kids and just going constantly. Now that my classes have finished I'm feeling more overwhelmed than ever before! Crazy, right!?

Ya it really sucks! I was a zombie at work for months before I moved out. Missed days and when I was there physically, I wasn't there mentally. If I myself had known how to cope, maybe I could have done it better, I just had to live through it, bathroom breaks for a cry etc. Sorry I can't really give you any advice as I don't think I did very well...wish I could have taken a leave of absence, but couldn't afford it. I guess all I can say is that I've been there, I know what its like and it does get better! Just try to hang on. It WILL get better. Hugs!

Not crazy at all. You may not be dealing with classes any more but you are dealing with abuse (in the sense of confronting it within yourself) in ways you haven't before - that's HUGE work. Go easy on yourself.

You will almost have to step outside of yourself to give yourself the strength to get out. Like shut your feelings off so you can stay focused on getting out safely.change within yourself but dont let him see too much so.he won't get suspicious.

By taking one minute at a time, wonderful friends and family, DS, therapy and learning to take care of me and only me. It is a long road but gets better.