My long-term boyfriend told me that my mental health has affected him and he just wants to be friends as though nothing more ever happened. This really hurts me. What should I do?

It's very hard to deal with ultimatums that people you love have given you. Trying to accept that we can't be everything to everyone is key. Talking to someone is very useful and understanding that it's not about you is a good start. This doesn't mean you are a bad person, or have done anything wrong. It just means your boyfriend isn't capable of dealing with the feelings he is going through. Taking care of yourself is key here.

Sometimes we have to stop and focus on ourselves in order to be any good for someone else. If you feel your mental health needs to be addressed then take those steps to get the help you need.

What you should do is try to empathize his own hurt and feelings, respect his decision to end the relationship, and try to better yourself and your connection moving forward. Of course, this isn't going to be what any part of you wants to do. One of the hardest realizations to come to when you struggle with mental illness or disorder than harms you everyday is that those around you are also affected... sometimes, the impact is great enough to distance them from you. Sometimes, the impact is hidden, but present nonetheless. It's agonizing to know that you have hurt someone, especially inadvertently and due to something you cannot control or battle with. As much as your heart is telling you to apologize, and beg, and promise, and compromise... sometimes, the best thing that you can do for the ones that you love is let them go so that both of you can heal.

To be brutally honest...he isn't mature enough for you. Leave him and tell him to grow up. Don't remain friends because that will hinder your progress. Go on fighting...you will find your man

Propose other options to dealing with this. Could you seek out couples counseling? Let him know this hurts you and is not what you want. But remember he has the right to opt out of a relationship at any time.

You're worth a boyfriend who supports you and cares for you, so maybe it's a good idea to be just friends and wait for true love.

Well, I guess I would take this on board and get therapy to help me either win him back (should he be prepared) or to at least help myself out in order to prevent this from happening again

Well, you can't really force him to stay with you. Tell him how you feel, but if he refuses to stay with you, then stay his friend. If it hurts too badly, then you need to find other friends, otherwise you two should be good friends.

It's sad, because mental health stigma can hurt and impact so many relationships. If you can, discuss this with him and share your feelings. I hope everything works out for you

Mental health can impact our loved ones, just as it does us. Many seem to think that because our illnesses are hidden in our minds, they wont cause a problem, and the illness wont affect them. Think of your mental health like cancer- its there and there really isnt much you can do about it, but you still need support, therefore you will surround yourself with those who support you. If someone told you they couldnt be with you because you have cancer, you wouldnt think highly of them, right? This is very similar.

Its his strict no physical or emotional contact policy. Though it appears like this. However, this is him. You can't force him to think happy or sad for you. Chose wisely.

I think you should tell him how much you appreciate his courage in coming to you, and thank him for his love thus far. I'd tell him you're seeking therapy from a professional, and actually do it. I'd tell him that hopefully you have an opportunity to show him the new woman you've become some day soon.

Talk to him, see why he feels that way and see if there’s anything you can do. And maybe being friends is best if he would just leave like that.

I believe we cannot force people to like us, to accept us the way we want. But surely, one day we will meet someone who can accept us no matter how imperfect we are..

As much as it hurts, you have to respect his decision. Not everyone is capable of holding space for those of us that are struggling with mental illness. Reaching out to friends who get me, connecting with myself, connecting with nature, and speaking to my therapist are things I have done when I've been let down like this.

Sadly, sometimes people are not able to cope with others who have mental health issues. This does not mean that you have done something wrong, but it means that some people do not know how to cope and give the proper support you need. The best thing you can do is to remember we can not control how others feel or how they react to us, but we can control ourselves. Take some time for self care and talk about things with friends and family. Keep moving forward and reach your full potential as you are meant to do!

Ask him why he feels this way and what help could be provided to you to help you get through the hard mental state and if he refuses and says he can’t love you because your mental health he never truly loved you

Sadly as much as you'd like to convince him to stay it's something you will have to respect. Perhaps you could sit down and talk with him about it, see if you can come to a resolution.

You should sit down and speak with him. Tell him how you feel about it and really have a conversation about it. It's important that you both understand each other with a clarity.

If he can't learn to support you and love you for who you are, forget about him. You deserve someone who will value you and give you the love and support you need. Sometimes a counselor can also help both partners in the relationship.

you should be honest with him and tell him it hurts your feelings. have a private discussion about both of your feelings and find a solution that works.

As hurtful as it may be, if he is not comfortable being with you, that is his call. But on the other side of this, if you are not comfortable being just friends, that is your call as well. All you can really do is respect his choices and focus on making your own.

He clearly wasn't someone you could rely on to begin with. If you disagree, I suggest offering that you two get help together. It'll possibly restore your bond while simultaneously helping you, mentally.

I suggest that you talk to him about how you are affecting him. Better understand his point of view. But do not think negatively of yourself. If it is something small that you feel can be changed go for it. But if it goes on a deeper level of separation then consider friendship as perhaps a good thing

I think you have to respect his decision and perhaps focus on yourself for a while. Consider counselling to help you get through any issues you may be having and learn to build a relationship with yourself, looking after yourself and caring for yourself are the first steps in having a fully functional relationship. Until we can have a good relationship with ourselves, its impossible to have one with someone else.

Respect that he has come to you honestly, this must have been difficult. Maybe now you should also open up to him and say how this has hurt you. When you are both on the same page, it makes it a lot easier to solve the problem together.

It is important to protect yourself and be aware of negative influences. Keep yourself as the priority and take your time to heal.

There's not much you can do about him he has already made this choice right on focus on yourself and your needs

Well, you must respect his wishes if he wants to end the relationship, he must respect yours if you are incapable of friendship. However, if you want to make it work, you may need to better explain what mental health care helps, how you cope, how to make it easier for him to understand and tend, as well as help you understand that he too is taking on the pressure, and must also be tended and nurtured. Both parties may have to work harder to make the whole thing work. It is up to the two of you.

I understand that you are hurt. No relationship is easy, but if he feels a certain way you should listen to him. It was hurtful I am sure to be told "nothing ever happened", and I think that was inconsiderate of your feelings. I would try maybe talking to him how that hurt you. Feel free to reach out to me personally, I understand am here to help with compassion and guide you to the best of my abilities.