Is this manipulation or am I overthinking?

[Yellowcatseye]

Genuine question as I am prone to overthinking at times.
My bf of 6 months has revealed something about himself to me and asked me to keep it secret as it would change how people view him. It’s nothing criminal but more mental health related (he isn’t suicidal).

I am now feeling a bit lost because I don’t really know how to deal with this and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I also don’t want to betray his trust by telling someone else. I have mental health issues myself and I feel like a hypocrite because he had always been so supportive of me.

One the one hand I understand why he asked me to keep it secret. On the other hand I feel strange because he knows me really well, and he knows that I usually talk to people if I struggle with something, but now I am in this strange and isolated place.

I might be overthinking this, so please let me know if I am being unreasonable.

I agree with a PP that it may be one to watch… I wouldn’t run straight away, but if it’s NPD that can be extremely difficult to live with in a partner. I’d also wonder a bit if he’s telling you this to prep you and get you to tolerate bad behaviour (the early “sob story” to reel you in.)

You can probably tell I’ve had some bad experiences too! If you’re otherwise happy I’d just proceed with caution….

I don’t want to run away. I have mental health issues myself so I understand that it can be difficult and stigmatising. I think I’m just worried because of my background (experiences).
I’m glad that he told me. He did say that he can be unreasonable at times and that he doesn’t want me to think it’s my fault.
And yeah it’s that one so I’m not sure if I’ll be ok with it but I’ll have to see

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

You would be mad to stick with him in my opinion.

You would be on your guard all the time. Plus having kids and him not being your priority? World of pain ahead.

I suspect he’s told you so he can use it to justify his shitty behaviour in the future.

’sorry - I can’t help it but I’ll try’

‘you know what I’m like - it’s not my fault’

’you knew what you were getting in to’

He did say that he can be unreasonable at times and that he doesn’t want me to think it’s my fault.

How on earth would HIS being unreasonable be your fault?

Its started already.

I think it's fair enough not to ask someone to share a private medical diagnosis tbh. I don't think it's manipulative.

No to be honest I often take things to heart and I think something is my fault, so I’m “glad” to know that I should just ignore this if it happens.
He’s done nothing to make me question his character and he has been really good and supportive.
But if he starts acting differently soon then it’s a different story because I don’t want games. I feel a bit better now having gotten some perspective

You are not a good friend for him.