My husband and I have been together almost 5 years, married for two. His 8yo son has been living with us at least half the time for the last five years. I've seen this child grow up. I care about his health and well being. Right now, we have him one week on, one week off. I love my husband dearly, we've had our ups and downs, but we made it through so far. He also has another son with a different woman who is 13 that we rarely see. Just recently, I found out that he was supposed to be paying child support for the 13yo. $277 a month. Now, on Thanksgiving day, the lady tells us that we have to start paying $400/mo as of January, or she's taking us to court. Oh and that he owes $27,000 in back child support. Of course, we can't afford it... we can barely pay our rent! That's why I'm still in this relationship, because I don't think either one of us could afford to live by ourselves.

To top it off, the 8yo has ADD and ODD, and may be given to us full-time because his biomom may be accused of child abuse and neglect. He got home from school today, and had a complete meltdown for no reason, screaming and crying for HOURS, all because I asked him to do his homework. I can't even count how many times he told me he hates me. I feel for this child, and want the best for him, but I just don't think I can take it anymore.

BTW, we are ALL in counseling. Individual, couple, and family. Doesn't help, though I want it to. I've also read Stepmonster; Love Him, Love His Kids; and the Five Love Languages of Children. No luck there either. We've been going to counseling for almost a year.

I started looking for apartments today. Just needed to vent, maybe get some insight. I'm so depressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, and yet I'm stoic. I can't even muster the energy to cry, or scream. Bleh. I think I've reached my breaking point.