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Home › Society › Psychology › Psychology & Therapy › Falling in love with someone struggling with mental illness: Is it just a fantasy?

Falling in love with someone struggling with mental illness: Is it just a fantasy?

Started by Anonymous · · 👁 4 views · 12 replies

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Participants ADonna White50dustytinker52Jamie Adams6Jason Kim6Harold Anderson3silvergull41Jamie LewisBrandon Newman95Andrew Doyle
A Anonymous VeteranOP
3.6K messages
joined May 2005
#1 ·
Hey there,
I’m a guy in my late 20s. I deal with some pretty heavy mental health issues, and honestly, it makes finding a girlfriend feel impossible. It's hard to be that "positive," witty, or upbeat person everyone wants to date when you just can't get there. To be blunt, it feels like a lost cause. Even in psychiatric wards, finding a connection seems out of reach—those women (if there are any younger ones around) are often dealing with even more intense struggles, and many are already tied up in relationships anyway.

I’ve never actually had anything I’d call a real relationship. Just a few fleeting moments, a couple of dates. In the last few years, even those have dried up. Maybe it’s because, at this age, women are looking for men who are established and experienced. Beyond my disability, the fact that I’m unable to work and rely on disability benefits seems to be a massive red flag for people. They act like I should be perfectly capable of doing everything just like they are. I constantly hear things like: "Well, why don't you try this?" "Why not try dating online?" "Why don't you go back to school?"

Umm... because my mental state gets so bad that I hit these total "mental blackouts"? Where I can't move from a single webpage for three hours? Or where I can't even string two coherent sentences together?

I even looked for happiness halfway across the world, because here in the States (and really everywhere in the West), women seem to expect way too much. They think that regardless of a twenty-page medical report from a panel of specialists, I should be able to do everything. Because I have hands, feet, sight, and hearing... I should be fine, right? They just think I'm lazy. And let's face it, what girl wants a lazy boyfriend? There were a few... One girl, I remember... maybe I should have overlooked her lack of looks. She accepted me when she was working as a janitor. But man, I thought I deserved someone better-looking. Maybe I blew my only shot. With everyone else, it's always the same line: "Nothing is wrong with you!" "We're all a little crazy, we still make it work!" "It's all in your head!" Just incredibly ignorant stuff.

And the irony is, even those women won't view me as an equal partner. Women struggling with even more severe disorders demand more than I could ever provide.

It’s pathetic. When I Google "Love for mentally ill," Google automatically corrects it to "Love for physically ill." How lovely. It’s like all our rights have been stripped away. And heaven forbid I receive my $417 monthly disability check. Like, am I supposed to live totally alone in my own apartment on that? Rent and utilities will easily swallow up the whole $417. But hey, I can do everything! I'm smart, I'm sharp, I've got strength... I can dig holes, I could be an electrician... Because apparently, despite a panel of over five experts saying I CANNOT, I definitely CAN... because random people on the street say I can.

And of course, if you aren't working, you don't deserve love. "Get a hobby, surround yourself with cats and dogs..." Man, I hear such nonsense I wonder who the crazy one actually is. A hobby and a cat farm isn't a substitute for needing love. A life partner. Maybe even marriage. Even Elon Musk was considered a madman, messing around with electricity until he died. He was eccentric, sure. But luckily, his wild ideas paid off. Maybe I would too, if I were on his level. Or even 20% of his level. But I need love, a partner. Not some careerist or high-achiever... Just an ordinary girl with problems like mine. An emo girl. Someone depressed. Someone struggling. That girl deserves love too. But paradoxically, she's looking for some superstar guy she doesn't even deserve. I could settle for the lowest rung, but the lowest rung refuses to settle for the lowest rung of men.

A man can be with a woman at the bottom of the social ladder. And that's okay... that's love.

But the weakest, lowest-ranking men don't stand a chance with any girl. Even sex workers have turned me down because, get this, I'm a 28-year-old virgin... As if that's possible. They expect me to have five arms, seven legs, and six eyes. It's sad, especially since their job is to be with anyone.

Tragic...

All of this pushes me toward one final decision... Living another 30 or 40 years... in total isolation... when my heart rate spikes to 150 from pure panic and loneliness. I don't see myself lasting that long.

I have occasional check-ins with a small part of my family. Just so they can see if I'm lying dead on the floor after swallowing poison. Every now and then... There are issues within my family, a real den of vipers. Political infighting and all that. So much so that if I even used my real last name, I'd probably be rejected from volunteering too. It's not like I'm changing my name to Hitler. But honestly, in this country, I think I'd get more respect with a name like Hitler.

My psychiatrist is pushing day programs on me (I’ve actually moved to a different city now), and I told her straight up: the women there are absolutely miserable. They aren't capable of any kind of real connection. She wants me to join these groups filled mostly with people in their 40s and older who deal with delusions and stuff that genuinely terrifies you. And she actually expects me, a young guy, to strike up friendships with them. Okay, so I guess I don't deserve to hang out with normal people. Just fellow psych patients. Most of whom are doing way worse than I am. At the end of the day, she doesn't even know what she's doing—she thinks popping some pills is going to make a person happy... and that if I'm lucky and the waiting room isn't packed, I might get 10 or 15 minutes of her time once every three months. Then maybe every four. Or six. Or a year... then just drop dead.

It puts me in this endless suicidal loop. Because apparently, I don't have the right to love. Is it because I'm not working? Because I'm lazy? Or am I just crazy?

Honestly, I've cried so much that I've run dry. There's nothing left. If I do it one last time... before the very end... because looking at another 40 years like this... I see absolutely no way to survive.

I've had these "pearls of wisdom" sent to my DMs—people sending me those wellness influencer recipes claiming they'll completely overhaul my life. Change this, fix that... they list at least 50 different things. Because, hey... I can! Why not just cancel my disability too? While I'm at it, why not just go back to work?

I don't know... I don't even know why I'm posting this... Maybe I'm subconsciously hoping to find a girlfriend this way. Even on the dating sites here in the USA, I haven't found anything decent. So don't give me any grief. Nobody wants an Omega... But for an Omega woman, there's always some "benevolent" guy waiting in the wings.

Anyone else gone through this, or got any ideas? A suicide pact? XD Sarcasm, I know, I know—that gets you flagged. Please don't take it seriously. There's still a little bit of dark humor left in me.

Best.
Donna White50 Donna White50 Regular
342 messages
joined Jan 2018
#2 ·
I read your post and man, I really feel for you. It’s honestly such a struggle to deal with the fact that our health issues end up boxing us in and defining who we are... People always say that when you're dealing with a disability or even mental health struggles, nobody truly gets it—like you're just stuck living on the fringes of society. It feels so unfair that society doesn't do more to actually change that vibe.

It looks to me like there's still this huge gap between what you want to do and what you can actually manage right now. I can see the frustration bubbling up because you can't express what you need properly, and then there's that anger from not being able to pull off everything you envisioned...

Sadly, as much as it sucks to hear, you’re probably going to have to start from square one—lower those expectations a bit and just take it one step at a time from where you are. Honestly, I think a good goal would be just getting out there and meeting people, regardless of any prejudices, and trying to soak up as much connection as you can from those interactions. Life just isn't always how we want it to be, you know? So many of us have dreams that don't pan out because life deals us a different hand... You've gotta accept that, and instead of dwelling on all the negatives, try to focus a little on the good stuff and the opportunities that *are* there.
Otherwise, you'll just spend forever cursing your luck and blaming everyone else for why things didn't work out, which only makes you feel worse. You have to realize there are people out there facing even tougher diagnoses than yours, yet they keep fighting and pushing forward—even if their lives might not look "worthwhile" from the outside. But to them, it is, and that's the most important thing... everyone finds their own sense of purpose and something to hold onto to keep moving, no matter how rough things get. Maybe one day life will deal you a hand where you find that partner, get married, or have kids... because plenty of others have made that happen. You just have to keep working toward it instead of fighting fate or judging others (including yourself) based on looks, illness, or whatever else...
dustytinker52 dustytinker52 Member
20 messages
joined Feb 2017
#3 ·
I’ve been talking to quite a few guys who are struggling with their mental health lately, and honestly, about 99% of them are going through it because of relationship drama or marriage issues... so my advice is to hang in there and don't give up just yet.
Jamie Adams6 Jamie Adams6 Active Member
79 messages
joined Sep 2017
#4 ·
Look, I know it sounds super insensitive to say this to someone feeling this lonely, but seriously—try not to tie your entire sense of happiness to whether or not you're in a relationship. I know so many people out there who are single, and honestly? They’re in a way better spot than you right now... so logically, they should feel even worse about having "better cards" while still being alone, right? But they aren't.

I mean, it seems like some of them don't even care—because let's face it, some people actually thrive being solo. I guess they just found purpose in other stuff, or maybe they just have a totally different mindset toward being single without closing the door on dating later on.

I’m not trying to give you that "everyone goes through this" cliché to make you feel better, I just want you to realize that even if things change, you're totally normal—and you'll probably end up right back at that first sentence anyway.
Jason Kim6 Jason Kim6 Member
33 messages
joined Apr 2017
#5 ·
pinalove, pinalove... first off—I have no idea why they banned them. Second—what makes you think my love life is suddenly flourishing because of this? Also—I don't think there’s much of a link here between mental health and dating success. Someone can be struggling mentally and still have a girlfriend, just as someone could be perfectly fine and totally alone. I guess I haven't studied the data—but that's how I see it. It probably doesn't even tie into physical health that much—since people with hereditary issues or genetic conditions still marry and have kids and all that. Sociobiology or evolutionary psychology tries to explain these patterns, but I doubt those theories are the whole truth either. I once saw a guy who was incredibly scrawny—skinny arms and legs—yet he was walking around with a beautiful woman. What does she see in him? These things are complicated. Just accept yourself as a fundamentally valuable human being. And wait—why shouldn't men at the bottom of the social hierarchy have a right to love? If you feel "lesser" or "subservient," that sounds more like your own issue.
Harold Anderson3 Harold Anderson3 Regular
732 messages
joined May 2023
#6 ·
Jason Kim6 said:pinalove, pinalove... first off—I have no idea why they banned them. Second—what makes you think my love life is suddenly flourishing because of this? Also—I don't think there’s much of a link here between mental health and dating success. Someone can be struggling mentally and still have a girlfriend, just as someone could be perfectly fine and totally alone. I guess I haven't studied the data—but that's how I see it. It probably doesn't even tie into physical health that much—since people with hereditary issues or genetic conditions still marry and have kids and all that. Sociobiology or evolutionary psychology tries to explain these patterns, but I doubt those theories are the whole truth either. I once saw a guy who was incredibly scrawny—skinny arms and legs—yet he was walking around with a beautiful woman. What does she see in him? These things are complicated. Just accept yourself as a fundamentally valuable human being. And wait—why shouldn't men at the bottom of the social hierarchy have a right to love? If you feel "lesser" or "subservient," that sounds more like your own issue.

I'm not sure, maybe it's just a clone of a user who got permanently banned 🤷
I actually started a similar thread over on an American forum once, and it ended up dragging on for almost 1,300 posts.
The conclusion is basically... it depends. It all comes down to the specific condition, your other personality traits, your environment, and even what you personally want out of a relationship. I've been in several relationships myself, despite having what is probably the toughest diagnosis out there, schizophrenia. It's certainly not always sunshine and rainbows when you're in a partnership. Sometimes I'm actually glad to be flying solo right now because I value my freedom so much. Other times, though, I really miss having someone there—whether it's someone real or just someone I've imagined. It could be anyone, really. It just depends! 😉
silvergull41 silvergull41 Newcomer
1 message
joined Aug 2017
#7 ·
Actually, if you ask me, people dealing with mental health issues might actually be wired to feel things way more intensely than your average, totally "stable" person.
Harold Anderson3 Harold Anderson3 Regular
732 messages
joined May 2023
#8 ·
silvergull41 said:Actually, if you ask me, people dealing with mental health issues might actually be wired to feel things way more intensely than your average, totally "stable" person.

I’m curious where you’re getting that from? If we’re talking about a constant state of mania, then sure, maybe there's a point to it. But if we're looking at bipolar disorder specifically, I don't think that holds up.
Depression, paired with anxiety, is easily one of the most common struggles out there, and I really can't imagine that romance is usually the first thing on a depressed person's mind. 🤷
Jamie Lewis Jamie Lewis Member
26 messages
joined Aug 2017
#9 ·
Honestly, I have this idea that I’d actually love being in a relationship with a girl struggling with her mental health. I picture myself driving her to her therapy sessions, looking out for her, and just being that steady support system she needs. To me, that kind of devotion wouldn't feel like a burden at all—it would be incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe that if you pour enough genuine love into someone, you can actually help them overcome their struggles. 🍿
Harold Anderson3 Harold Anderson3 Regular
732 messages
joined May 2023
#10 ·
Jamie Lewis said:Honestly, I have this idea that I’d actually love being in a relationship with a girl struggling with her mental health. I picture myself driving her to her therapy sessions, looking out for her, and just being that steady support system she needs. To me, that kind of devotion wouldn't feel like a burden at all—it would be incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe that if you pour enough genuine love into someone, you can actually help them overcome their struggles. 🍿

Trust me, that would end up draining you dry, especially if she isn't actively working on herself.
People dealing with mental health struggles aren't pets or small children who just need unconditional love to thrive.
dustytinker52 dustytinker52 Member
20 messages
joined Feb 2017
#11 ·
Jamie Lewis said:Honestly, I have this idea that I’d actually love being in a relationship with a girl struggling with her mental health. I picture myself driving her to her therapy sessions, looking out for her, and just being that steady support system she needs. To me, that kind of devotion wouldn't feel like a burden at all—it would be incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe that if you pour enough genuine love into someone, you can actually help them overcome their struggles. 🍿

...you really don't have a clue what you're talking about...
Brandon Newman95 Brandon Newman95 Active Member
245 messages
joined Jun 2024
#12 ·
Jamie Lewis said:Honestly, I have this idea that I’d actually love being in a relationship with a girl struggling with her mental health. I picture myself driving her to her therapy sessions, looking out for her, and just being that steady support system she needs. To me, that kind of devotion wouldn't feel like a burden at all—it would be incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe that if you pour enough genuine love into someone, you can actually help them overcome their struggles. 🍿

There's definitely some truth to what's being said here. You have to look at the whole picture—the guys, the social life, the girls, all of it. But seriously, if it's possible to get private treatment once a week for more manageable cases, then yeah, you can absolutely beat the illness if you tackle it head-on.
Andrew Doyle Andrew Doyle Regular
268 messages
joined Aug 2011
#13 ·
Jamie Lewis said:Honestly, I have this idea that I’d actually love being in a relationship with a girl struggling with her mental health. I picture myself driving her to her therapy sessions, looking out for her, and just being that steady support system she needs. To me, that kind of devotion wouldn't feel like a burden at all—it would be incredibly fulfilling. I truly believe that if you pour enough genuine love into someone, you can actually help them overcome their struggles. 🍿

I can't quite put my finger on why, but my immediate reaction to this take of yours is pure Misery. 😲

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