Dating someone with a severe depression

[sunrise]

Hi everyone!

I am a single mom, 28 years old and last summer I started dating a guy that I knew had been depressed all his life because of a really hard childhood and last year his little brother died so I knew he was going through some heavy stuff.

I have general anxiety, panic anxiety, health anxiety and social anxiety that I usually have under control but I have a very hard time at big life changes or just things I find difficult.

Now this guy really want's a relationship and I've been backing out, telling him I'm not ready but also I find myself really attracted to him. So I wanted to ask for your opinion on a relationship like this. My friends and family think I should not get too involved with him because I have enough trouble in my life and won't be able to handle taking his trouble into my life.

Does anyone have experience with something like this or has an opinion?

[Cuchculan]

I remember when I was in a psych hospital for a while. They actually handed out leaflets when you first arrived telling you why it was a bad idea to even think of forming a relationship with others who had disorders ( as well as yourself ). First time I ever really gave it much thought at all. They said that you had your own problems and the last thing you needed was another person's problems on top of yours. In other words they were telling us all that people with similar enough disorders don't make good couples. It can only create worse problems for both people. I suppose you do have to look at that side of things. Can you handle his problems. Can he handle yours. If they both collide what will be the outcome. I have no doubt we do have couples who both suffer. I am not saying we don't. But it would be one of those I would think long and hard about. Think what is best for you. And follow your heart and common sense.

[sunrise]

Thanks for good answer. I know you're right. I know everyone around me is right. It scares me too. I know that when both of us feel bad, we wont be able to do anything for one another. We will only make each other feel worse. But still I have so much doubt. One day I'm convinced this will never work and the next day I'm convinced it will. But in the end I know you're right.