Thanks for sharing, Jeff, and welcome back to GA, and welcome back to the person you once were, or the person you want to be. I know all about difficult... truly difficult... journeys, and what an abusive relationship can steal from you. I know about feeling exposed and raw and vulnerable, all while pretending to yourself and others you are all right. I know all about being numb, and not knowing who you are... about losing yourself and floundering alone.
What I'm trying to say is your story is relatable, probably to more people than you might think. That first step is honesty with yourself, and facing up to the whole damn thing. When thoughts enter of wanting to end it all, they are terrifying, and I hope you are never in that place again. In many ways, I see now that writing saved me, awakening a side of me I had lost. Creating something good, whether is a story, a song, a painting, a piece of furniture, or maybe a blanket, is a great way to balance out the turmoil and the regrets. Creating is always positive, and it sounds like you have come a long way. Wishing you all the best as you move forward. Cheers... Gary....