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?

You need to talk to him about this and explain to him that this has hurt you deeply. Communication is essential in this. See what he says and explain that your feelings have been hurt. If he doesn’t want to be with you, then understand what the real reasons are. Explain that you are getting help and hoping to work through these issues and being in a long term relationship with him has made you very happy. If he understands this he will want to support you and be with you. If not, then you will be able to move on.

Never let someone project the way they feel on your, or force you to take the blame for anything. When engaging with someone in a debate I always try to avoid words that generally accuse or lead people to acquiesce. What you can't do is take advice from others, you have to figure your relationship out yourself because nobody knows it better than you. I've been in a relationship for almost ten years, we've been through ups and downs that most couples could only imagine. Nothing is set in stone, your future is yours alone and with or without a specific person, there are billions of others out in the world to keep you company and plenty of listeners here on 7 cups who truly love and support you!

Tell him what you think about it and how you feel. He needs to know both sides of the story and not just one. It hurts you and that is okay. It is okay to feel it and talk about it. Love hurts and it hurts to let someone go but sometimes we must take care of our own healthy first. It is like a list: 1. You 2. Then a very long time nobody 3. The people around you. You are the most important person in your life and it is really important that you put yourself on the first and not someone else. Talk about it and maybe try to feel like he does. It will help. Best luck!

In situations like that, it might be best to acknowledge that, unfortunately, they aren't the person you may need right now. Everyone needs someone they can lean on for things like mental health, and it seems like he is unable to be supportive. It will probably hurt, but letting him go might best the best thing for you. It is also important to understand that hurting is normal, and you can grieve the relationship. However, don't let the grief control you. You need to take care of yourself both mentally and be surrounded with people who help you with that, and if he can't than letting him go will help you continue on your path.

I know it hurts but you have to honor and respect his wishes. Because it is beginning to look like he might not be the right person for you. I know this hurt but it is better for it to happen right now than to be in a committed relationship like marriage. Count your blessings and try to be patient until the right person comes along for you. The right person will be able to accept you for who you are and be willing to fight along side with you when the battles come your way. Hang in there my friend and I pray nothing but the best for you as you move forward with your life.

You try your absolute best to accept it for what it is. If he's really worth it and you really care and love him, he'll find his way back to you. In the mean time focus on being becoming the best version of you, if we want others to love us we have to love ourselves first. He could love you endlessly but it wouldn't feel right if you don't believe that you deserve every compliment he gives you and all his affection and love he showers you with. You don't need to find someone to be your other half you need someone to be your co-pilot, someone that loves you for who you are

As horrible as it sounds, you have to accept it. Mental health is a really tough issue, and it can take a big toll on people around you as well. This is a common issue, sometimes referred to as vicarious trauma, where other people who hear about your issues start to experience their own issues as a result. This isn't your fault, but other people have to decide what is best for them as well. It isn't wrong for him to want to be happy and take care of his mental health, although he should have had more of a conversation with you before just breaking up.

As much as this may hurt you, you have to respect his wishes. Mental health can be difficult to handle not just yourself but for the individuals in your life as well. It can be difficult for other especially those who don't have mental health struggles to deal with situations relating to mental health. Although it isn't ideal you have to understand that your significant other or anyone else doesn't owe you anything even regarding your mental health state. It hurts to hear it, trust me I've been in the same situation as you are now and it was difficult but I promise the feelings that you are going through right now are not permanent even though they may feel like they are. Their feelings are just as valid as yours are. Communicate though if you don't feel you can handle being just friends let him know that and move away from the situation but if you are willing be to be just friends also let him know that to. With situations like this I understand it isn't ideal but it'll help with growth and allow other opportunities in the future. Please remember that someone who cannot handle mental health struggles is not obligated to stay in your life and they are probably not the best match for you. Mental health can be a challenging thing even outside of relationships, please remember that you deserve someone who can understand and can manage a life with someone who has mental health struggles. You deserve the very best and please never settle for less! I am sorry you are going through this but you can get past this, I believe in you! You have the support of this community and much more so please know you are not alone.

Do not take responsibility for how your boyfriends feels. Each person is responsible for their own actions. The fact that the relationship was long-term indicates he was willing to be a part of your life. Try to look back over the relationship and see if you can pinpoint when it began to change. Look for small, subtle changes. They will give some indication of what really happened. If he was terrible affected by your mental health he would not want to be friends. Continue to work on being mentally healthy and end all association with him, except for the occasional hello.

I am very sorry this is happening for you, right now. The last thing you need during this stressful time is losing someone important to you. Being supportive for other people can be tiring and stressful in itself - so I can see where he may be affected by this. However, that being said, ending a relationship in that way is not helpful at all to you. You do not deserve this. What you could do is try reaching out to other family and friends for support. Try not to get caught up in what your boyfriend needs. Focus on yourself and your own mental health. It's OK to feel hurt, you have every right to feel the way you do.