I have guy friends who used to have gf’s who aren’t mentally well. I know the struggle of being in a relationship with someone who is mentally unstable from knowing people who are in this type of relationship to me being the person in this type of relationship. Someone who is

mentally ill can look like they have their whole life together when you first know them as a friend. But trust me when you get into the relationship it’s way more difficult. It’s mentally and emotionally draining. So here are some things I want you to understand.

1. The attachment your partner will have with you can be overwhelming. They might be way extra needy and clingy.
2. They might be attached but still push you away. And this usually is caused by the feeling of being a burden to you. Or because they don’t want to further hurt you

3. They need tons or reassurance. Either because of them being insecure or feeling like they aren’t good enough. The feeling of being easily replaced. Constantly worrying about the things they are doing whether is it right or wrong.

4. You have to be prepared to face countless of their breakdowns. One minute they might seem fine, the next minute they’re bawling their eyes out.
5. You have to understand how to comfort them the right way. Learn how to speak without offending or saying the wrong words.

Consulting them when they are lost and feeling out of place. Conflicted or in despair.
6. You gotta be mentally strong when dealing with them being suicidal or when they are self harming. If you break, they break even more. Learning how to persuade them to stop and understanding

how to deal with them when they are contemplating about life or just having a panic or an anxiety attack.
7. Constantly reminding and advising them to help themselves also by taking their medicine/ going for their appointments.
8. Listen to understand and not to always give input

Honestly there’s so much more I wish I can list them down (tapi tak rajin). Reading this you may feel overwhelmed or lost already. I don’t blame you. I’m not here to frighten you to not date someone you want or love. But I want you to grasp

the reality of what you’ll have to go through. Before getting into a relationship with someone who is mentally ill you need to understand that it isn’t going to be easy and it will take a toll on you. You have to be prepared, you have to be resilient and you have to be patient.