Dating with Mental Health Issues: How Do You Cope?

I don't even try, everyone leaves anyways

I don’t 🤷‍♀️

We make one other aware of our issues, and any boundaries we may have. We also don’t downplay anything.

I’ve personally accepted that I’m not in a place for dating. I’m 100% okay with this and honestly have no interest in dating regardless (I don’t really have an interest in anyone at the moment as well). There are a lot of days I struggle to care for myself and struggle to love myself. How can you care and love for someone else when you can’t do the same for you? I have a lot of baggage to work through and a lot of sexual baggage as well to work through from trauma and gender dysphoria. All of which I am taking steps to go through when I am in a safe setting.

I don't even try. :(

My biggest insecurity is my weight and eating around others. It's a work in progress though slow steps for me.

I'm going through this now. This is what works FOR ME. I DO NOT WANT JUDGEMENT nor am I asking for comments that do not promote personal growth. With that said, here goes nothing. I took an unconventional approach to the dating world. I chose to take a step back and assess dating. I'd never "dated" as I married out of highschool. So I went online to the dating apps and laid it out there on my profile. I was brutally honest and blunt. As a matter of fact I'll include a copy of my approach as an example. AGAIN I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR NEGATIVE COMMENTS. Hello, my name is Jayme. I am not your typical girl. I do not wear makeup as I can't stand it nor am I a petite little Barbie doll princess. I have been through a lot and I'm in a transition phase of my life. I am not the type of person to say you cannot talk to someone while you're talking to me because the whole point of this process is to find your person and learn about ourselves. I'm not the kind to step in the way of somebody else's happiness. With that said I expect the same in return. I do not believe that you can meet somebody online or in person and automatically know that they are your forever. It takes time to get to know someone and friendship is the foundation. So if I respond to you it is not because I am interested in starting a relationship that is going to lead somewhere. On the other hand if somewhere down the road feelings develop, I feel it's a discussion to be had between the two of us on whether or not to take it to the next level. I only ask for respect and honesty as that's what I have to offer and what we both deserve. A little about me... I enjoy fishing, would like to start hunting, and enjoy getting dirty four wheeling or horseback riding. I am very country and my southern roots run through and through. I like my country music up loud and have no shame in who I am. The best I can say about my position on this process is if things don't work out I have made a good friend. I will not be pressured. And I do not do the, "Why haven't you texted me?" nonsense. If I am interested I will respond when I have a chance. I am not that girl to constantly text asking the same. I am however old-fashioned in the sense that I will not pursue you. I expect if someone is interested in me they will put in the effort and reach out to me. I WILL NOT PUT UP WITH LIARS, CHEATERS OR FLAWS IN CHARACTER SIMILAR IN NATURE. If time comes that a decision is made to take it to the next level... I expect my person to be true to me. If you can't or have any doubt of your abilities to commit, then stay away.... no games wanted here. If this sounds like something you would be interested in exploring let me know. Part 2 please read my update below... I'm currently in a relationship but am looking for substance in friendships. My boyfriend understands I get along better with men than women. He accepts that. I am not in an open relationship. I don't want to be either. What I'm trying to do is a bit unconventional but I assure you if you were to meet me you would not be disappointed. I think we could have a lot to teach one another about life. I am not looking for fwb!!!! I'm looking for friends with substance who will promote growth within me and I would return the same. If you are interested in this lmk. I've learned by the approach I've taken to just slow down and watch things unfold, allow others to make mistakes because they will remember the mistake or even failure and never do it again if it means enough to them. If I just let life happen and sit on the sidelines to a degree, people are so much more responsive. I have gained so much more respect and I've contributed to the growth of others as well. I wouldn't have traded this process for anything. I honestly wish more women could experience this journey I've chosen. It's been surreal to say the least and has humbled me.

Dating someone who also struggles with mental health issues and is neurodivergent!

I've been in a relationship for the past five years with the same person. Thought it was who I was going to spend the rest of my life with. She just recently broke up with me. We are still friends and may end up back together in the future but the thought of going back into dating terrifies me to my core especially with all this mental stuff going on.

If i just be myself then I'll scare away the bad eggs and the good eggs will stay :-)

Something I’m scared of, but I figured that when someone is right they’ll make me feel okay to being as open as possible with everything. And I feel like honest open communication may be the best way to go. But I’ve never been through it so I can only hope I’ll find someone as great as that.

I try and communicate it the best I can with my bf. When him and I first got together he had no idea how to handle certain situations when my mental health is bad. It’s scary at first to let down your wall but it helps out a lot.