This is my first post.

I need help, advice, support. Something.

All I'm getting are pressures from biased parties. And felt that coming in here seeing all the support that you give one another, that maybe this would help clear my mind and give me better insight.

I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder last January. It's been a struggle all my life, and it just seems to be getting worse. I'm on 3 diff meds, talk therapy.

I will try and make this a short simple story, but giving as much accurate detail as possible.

I was in a relationship for 3 years. But really only seen him as a best friend. We had so much in common, had a blast together, but I was never physically attracted to him. His kisses never felt right, his touch never felt right. We had our problems. Almost two years ago we broke up. He instantly got in another relationship, while I stayed single. It bothered me yes, but I was content doing my own thing.

So for a year and a half, I was single. Seeing a few random guys here and there but nothing serious.

Then a few months ago, I had the courage to go up to this guy for a job I was doing and introduce myself. We instantly clicked.
There were things we didn't agree on.
But it was so different because I felt it in his kiss, and the way he held me. The things he said to me. He made me feel really good about myself. We had fun together. It felt really good.

About a month ago something very dramatic happened. He had gotten beyond drunk and did some bad things.
He broke my mom's windshield, broke a lot of things in my apartment, and though he DID NOT hit me, he did grab me and left bruises on my arms.

This was very out of character and was shocking.
Cops were involved.

Things were really rough for him before the incident, the anniversary of his father's death, his grandpa had just passed away, among other life's stresses.

When all this happened, I was unsure of the relationship, but not ready to let go. Knowing the things he went through. And knowing that he wouldn't intentionally do those things to me.
(Through my own mental issues I know what it's like to act out of character and to feel really depressed. - I understood it)

His family and friends says how much in love with me he is. And how different he is with me than any other girl he's been with. I believe it. I'm a good catch.

After the shock set in, he was determined to do whatever he could to make things right.

He fixed the windshield, wrote my mom and brother notes of sincere apology.
Made an appointment to get help himself for his problems.
Filled out job applications.
Listened to the things I didn't like and has changed a lot of it.
I can see that I am important to him and how bad it hurts him when I mention we shouldn't be together.

It feels right when I'm with him.

Though the problem I feel lies with my family/friends.
They give me the dirtiest looks and comments when I say I'm going to go over to his house, or when I'm on the phone with him.
I can't handle it and their condescending eyes. I know it is out of concern and only for my best.
But they won't open their minds to the fact that he's trying to fix this and make this better.
Them acting this way is only making it harder for me.
Mistakes happen, and this is the first mistake he's made with me.
I've been wanting to try and fix this, but my family and friends won't let it happen.
My ex of 3 years is making problems for me as well.. He's been single for about as long as I've been with my bf. My ex has been calling my mom and conspiring to get me back. Trying to step in and say that if I pick this guy, that our friendship is over. I'd hate for that to happen but it's just not fair.

My mind is very overwhelmed, and I'm at a loss.
I'm very unhappy.
This war is killing me, and I'm not sure either party is fully aware of how it's affecting me.

I'm sorry for the drawn out post. I just can't handle this anymore and feel I have no one to talk to.

If you need to know anything else about this to help better, let me know.
If you want to say something that you think may not make me happy, say it. I just want an unbiased party's thoughts.
Thanks in advance.
<3 Jessika