bf abruptly ended 5 year relationship due to his mental illness

Trigger Warning

Hi there, i’m looking for advice and maybe the opportunity to read other experiences. I (22F) had been with my bf (25M) since 17 years old. I experienced major milestones with him such as homecoming, prom, graduations, nursing school, buying a car, buying a dog, and renting a townhome together. For background, my bf has a history of MDD, but for the most part the entire relationship felt like he truly loved me and was obsessed with me. Our lease ended in the townhome, and I was depressed about moving back in with my parents, but we did it to save money for a house. During this time he and I went on a movie date (about a week after moving back home), our relationship was normal, he sent me memes on insta and tiktok like normal and we talked like normal. However, he did trade his car in, attempt to get rid of his lego sets which he loves, and is trying to apply for a new job. A couple days ago I saw that he had followed this girl from my school and I confronted him about it and we got into an argument where later on he said he “doesn’t care about any females” and I said “yeah I know because you hardly care about me” this triggered everything in my opinion. He then said after a string of messages that he felt like I was too distant and I didn’t like him so now he didn’t like me anymore but said he still loves me??? and also claimed he’s felt like this for over a year (I didn’t see the signs, and not to excuse myself but i’m an RN who works night shift and he’s a cop who rotates shifts). I said I could work on being more present, as i’ve been stressed due to moving back home. Anyway he did not accept that and then after more messages wanted to end things, but then claimed it was because I don’t deserve someone mentally ill. I told him I love him regardless of that and i’m willing to give my all, while he gives nothing but to no avail. We went silent for 24 hours and then I reached back out tonight, where he told me i’m a good person, and there’s no saving him as he’s a broken and ruined person who will eventually kill themself so I don’t have to be tied to him, he said he wishes in another life he could be normal and better, and to tell our dog he’s sorry. I asked to talk in person and he said no and to defer everything to his mom (which I did tell his parents about the erratic behavior) Of course, I know the impending signs of an attempt such as getting rid of the stuff you love and isolating yourself, which I believe he is 100% doing. I feel like i’m being overbearing and i’m trying to give him space, but i’m hurting too as he is all i’ve known my entire adulthood. Any advice is appreciated, please be gentle as i’m a real human with real feelings behind this screen.

Posted Jul 29, 2026, 6:54 AM UTC

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