Dear Thelma: My ex's emotional abuse has made me mentally unstable


Thelma helps a successful single woman who is in a vulnerable mental state because of the mental abuse she suffered in her last relationship.

I broke up with my boyfriend last year, and to be honest, I am glad that it ended.

All I can remember about that relationship was the days I cried myself to sleep, the emotional abuse and financial issues. I helped my ex sort out his financial issues and I know that he is still struggling with it.

Because of him, I almost ended up with serious financial issues but before that happened, I decided to end the relationship because of the mental torture he caused me.

I am slowly recovering but the fear of relationships is still there.

Whenever my parents talk about marriage, I get anxious.

Just like other women, I do want to have a family of my own but the fear of attachment is too extreme for me to manage.

Thelma, I am not materialistic but I don’t want to be in debt beyond what I can manage. And if the emotional abuse happens again, I know I might hurt myself.

My ex has no idea what he has done to me mentally. I don’t love him anymore, maybe I even hate him. I just want to be the old me. I just want to move on but I don’t know how.

I even thought of staying single forever but I know my parents won’t let that happen. They want me to settle down. To them, I am a successful single woman but, to me, I am a mentally unstable woman.

I just want to be at peace.

Just Want To Move On


Dear Just Want To Move On,

I’m sorry to hear you had a bad time. It’s an awful shock, isn’t it?

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Family

Ensuring healthy years for children with haemophilia
Age no barrier for these musical seniors and their melody journey
Sounds of change: This show uses orchestral music to teach kids about ecology
Malaysian associate producer shares her thoughts on working for international game developer
A Sabah pet cafe gives children a chance to get up-close with exotic animals
How one doctor devises a plan to manage kids' fear of needles
How parents and caregivers can train boys to embrace healthy masculinity
Can cats and dogs follow a meat-free diet?
Raise boys better: How parents can break gender stereotypes for a better future
Dear Thelma: I'm so worried as my son's job and marriage are going south

Others Also Read