my boyfriend (not ds's dad) is really depressed and i cant cope.

[mum2mikey]

HELP! I love my boyfriend to bits. we have been together for 13 months and ds is 14 months. he is great with him but.............. here's where i sound heartless. he is a manic depressant. he has attempted suicide twice and both times i have found him. we dont live together,when we make a date i go to all the trouble of a babysitter and rushing round to get ready and.... he doesnt turn up. next morning he apologises and says he couldnt get out of bed.
its driving me crazy, i dont want to finish it cos i love him but im getting really angry with him but its not his fault. i just find it hard.

help please

Is he getting help?

yeah he is on 7 different lots of tablets. he has a psychiatrist, a councillor and a mental health support team. im just worried about me not being able to support fo much longer.

You need help to deal with this.

Firstly you rightly say you are caring, making you his "carer".

Carers UK, has a website which has info and can direct you to your local carers organisation. They can provide you with support. You must remind yourself that you have the right not to care, they could help you find a counsellor and with this support you can decide what you want to do.

There are a lot of useful websites about mental health issues. Knowing what your boyfriend is going through will help you, and also knowledge of what can be done will empower you to ensure he is getting the right treatment for him.

Good luck xx

thanks fran1 x

Well, I have been around a manic depressive all my life as my sister suffers from it. I have found it very hard as not being a sufferer myself, I don't understand it. However, I have always tried to give her as much love and support as possible. Like Fran says, it is important to try and understand what he is going through. Be prepared to sit and listen to him. I find my sister feels much better after talking to me about how she is feeling.

Also, my sister goes to a group and talks to other depressives. This seems to help her a lot.

thanks x

Sorry had to disappear quickly before.

Here are some links you may find useful.

making space

rethink

PRTC will have a list of local carers organisations who provide support

previously known as maca, new name together, supporting people with mental health