Feeling Misunderstood When Trying to Change

Does anyone else feel like when you try to change & someone notices & is like "I'm so happy you're doing that" & it just rubs you the wrong way? Like it feels like they're saying "I'm glad you're trying to change who you are"? I'm probably blowing things out of proportion, but the guy I'm dating said that & I know he doesn't mean it like that cuz he honestly doesn't understand mental illnesses & its not really talked about in his culture. Or at least it seems like that. Sorry I just needed to vent & I'd like advice on how to not let those types of feelings get under my skin. Any advice is helpful!