To think being admitted to a psych ward is a major red flag?

[JaffaMyCake]

Need some help on this one mnetters!

Friend is 'seeing' a man who has just told her he has recently been in hospital on a psychiatric ward. He hasn't/won't disclose the details of why and friend hasn't pushed on the matter.

AIBU to think this is a major red flag and tell her to steer clear?

Or is this discriminating against MH issues? I do realise they can affect anyone and are not always a signpost of abusive behaviour. Friend has no children involved.

I had been seeing DH for 4 weeks or so when he told me he had bipolar disorder and had been hospitalised a few times because of it. I knew already that I wanted to be with him and it made no difference to me. I did tell my mum in confidence. She, as many others would have done, asked if I was sure I could handle it. It wasn't a mean or prejudiced question, she was looking out for me, as you are for your friend. DH would later tell me the hospitalisations were due to two suicide attempts. None of this 'scared me off.'

Fastforward 6 years, now we're married and I have been very ill at times with MH issues. Very ill. Between us, we've pushed through the bad times together and the good times are more than worth it.

I think you've had a tough time on this thread, OP, but I am so glad that so many posters have been able to open up about the realities of living with a mental illness, or someone you love having it.

DH is so much better now. He hasn't had to take meds in years and his manic/down phases are few and far between. I'm still struggling and have been suicidal at points over the past few years, but I feel that we have a real level of empathy with each other, and neither of us would want to be with anyone else. A MH diagnosis doesn't have to be a red flag at all, but of course it's different for everyone.

My DM has severe mental health problems, she is on a voluntary section, and has been for more than a decade. I don't know if that gives me any credibility to speak on this, probably not!

But I absolutely would want to know what someones issues were, if I was considering being in a serious relationship with them. Mental health problems can take over not just the sufferer's life, but their loved one's too.