If I was given the choice, relationship with someone who has mental illness or relationship with someone who doesn't, I would choose doesn't. That is because I wouldn't want mental illness to be the main thing we have in common, I would prefer it was just something in the background that is dealt with as best as possible and not the major focus of the relationship. I try not to give it too much authority. Having said that though, if I found out later that a girl I was in a relationship with suffered from mental illness, it wouldn't matter. Actually I think it would bring us closer together and would be nice to know we're in the same boat. I like to think I would be able to help her with it. But yeah, I wouldn't found a relationship on that connection... but that's just me

Going back to the whole desperate and dateless thing... I haven't had any sort of intimate relationship for about four years now!! I had a girlfriend (who did have some mental health issues incidentally) when we went to university. We went to different cities but still spent all our time together. It was a big change for both of us and I guess we were each others coping mechanism. It became self destructive though, we were basically just staying in bed all day getting high. What was originally a really good, fun and loving relationship had become pretty bad, I think we were both becoming more and more depressed inside our little bubble. We kept it going for a few months but eventually it had to end. We split and I traveled back to my city ****ed up in the head with no money (we had spent it all), no friends, and totally heartbroken. Things just went from bad to worse from there, with my bipolar disorder out of control and no support at all. I'm not sure how I survived it to be honest, apart from pure determination. I turned to my projects and my work and that has been my companion ever since. I decided that I would get myself sorted before even attempting to date again. Four years later and here I am....... lonely as ever! The positive side of the story is that as much as it hurt and did for a long time (I guess deep down it still does), I think we did the right thing. I managed to eventually get back on track with university and just graduated with a 1st. I've still got some issues but am a lot more stable now and focusing on the future. She now has a child which is what she always wanted really. I guess we both managed to get ourselves sorted I think in time things will be OK again. I just need to stay patient.

I say never give up on yourself and just because right here and now things aren't that great, doesn't mean that they won't be. Take steps in the right direction, you never know what is around the corner.