Confused on what to do between me (m22) and my gf (f22)

I’ve been dating my girlfriend for four years now, we’re both 22. The first three years were genuinely good. Like any relationship, we had a few ups and downs, but nothing major.

Lately though, I’ve been feeling unsure about our future together. I can’t fully explain why, but deep down I don’t think this relationship is going to work long-term. One of the biggest issues is her mental health. She can be very up and down emotionally, and while she’s okay at the moment, it can change quickly. Being her main source of support has become quite draining over time.

She’s said things in the past like if we ever broke up, she wouldn’t allow it to happen and has even mentioned killing herself. She later said she was joking, but honestly, it’s something I wouldn’t completely rule out. That’s a huge weight to carry and makes me feel trapped in the relationship. I’ve always been there for her, especially since she doesn’t really have friends to rely on and her family isn’t consistently supportive.

I would feel incredibly guilty breaking up with her because I know how much she loves me and how much she wants a future together, a family, stability, everything. But despite that, I just can’t see us working out. I’m currently running multiple businesses alongside an 8–5 construction job, and whenever I have free time, I’m focused on building something for my future.

She’s quite demanding of my time, and I honestly can’t remember the last weekend I had to myself. When I ask for time alone, she makes me feel bad, almost as if I don’t want to be with her. I end up feeling guilty because I know if I don’t spend time with her, she’ll just be at home doing nothing since she doesn’t have friends to go out with.

At this point, I feel more like a supportive parent than a boyfriend. She’s quite immature in some ways, and I often feel like I’m teaching her how to navigate life. Because of this, I don’t feel like I’m fully able to focus on my own growth or optimise myself the way I want to.

That said, she is loyal, kind, beautiful, and genuinely a sweetheart to be around. That’s what makes this so hard. I just don’t know if this relationship is what I need right now, or even at all.

I’d really appreciate some friendly, honest advice please? - my last post got ignored lol so just wanted someone else’s viewpoint if I’m being too harsh or something.