[dillpickle1983]

I have a question.

When dating, is it easier to find someone else who has mental illness than someone who doesn't. I'm single currently and I am on the market. But I am unsure what to do. I don't want to scare someone off. Maybe it's easier to relate, but it may also be a sword in the heart too. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

[healingme4me]

I feel, it's better to just look for someone you are compatible with, and who meets your needs. The chances, that a person in the dating pool has some type of illness, is pretty likely. Diagnosed or not.

Unlike, seeking out a person, who could, say, be a good listener, have similar interests, etc(whatever you are looking for), I wouldn't, personally, add this to the list of what I'd look for, at the same time, it's safe to say, you may be able to rest a little easier, about your own disorders.

NIMH · The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America

[Nicks_Nose]

I would first, just be myself. After years of changing myself to be what THEY were, or what I thought they wanted me to be, I learned the hard way to just be ME. They always tell us that and yet for some of us it seems so hard to learn. Tell them whatever fits the topic of discussion and what you feel comfortable telling about yourself. There are no shoulders or shouldn'ts in this case.

You have to accept you as you are before they can. Big hugs.

[turquoisesea]

I agree with others - I kind of think that defining yourself by your mental problems is a mistake. You're not your problems, your problems are just a part of you. I bet there are more important parts of you that need to be compatible with a partner. Just my opinion.