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I started seeing this amazing guy. Tonight he told me he is on medication for depression. Should I expect more hardships being in a relationship with him? I'm especially concerned about his potential reaction if we ever do break up. Advice?

I don't think this should be a huge factor in your relationship. A lot of people are on medication for depression and they manage fine. It's good that he was honest about it, but you shouldn't worry too much. He's maintaining his illness, which is a good thing. Better to be with someone who is aware of their mental health issues and taking care of themselves than someone who goes undiagnosed.

Feel free to talk to him about his depression and his mental health history if it's something he's comfortable discussing. Has he had breakdowns in the past? Many people are on medication their whole lives and never have any problems. But you can't go into a relationship worrying about how it will end. That's like starting Lost from the final episode-- not a good idea. You can't worry about how someone is going to take a break-up. All you can do is have fun and see where it goes. Also, I'm sure you're not his first girlfriend. He's gone through break-ups before, and came through them strong enough to continue dating. That a sign that he has his depression in check (or at least mostly in check).

If he's okay with discussing his depression, it's good to know what you're getting into. But not everyone on antidepressants is a total basket case. Many people live normal, happy lives with therapy and/or medication. Give him a chance.
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I'm on medication for depression, and aside from the odd bad day I'm as capable as anybody else of having a relationship. The bad days aren't nearly as frequent as they once were, but they do still happen, so I've had discussions with the people closest to me about how to handle it when it does happen. For me, I sometimes need to be left alone to clear my head, and my friends and family know not to take it personally when I'm like that. I'm told it's more than worth putting up with me in bad humour to have me around for when I'm my usual sparkling self! :-) Talk to him, find out as much as he's comfortable sharing about his depression, and with any luck you'll find out it's not necessarily as big a deal as you're worrying it might be.

Tariana

"...you can't go into a relationship worrying about how it will end." -> I LOVE YOU NICK!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

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Starting Lost from the last episode could have saved you a lot of wasted time.

Ruru

1) To the OP: I'm currently questioning if I have depression. Several months ago, I was so worried that my boyfriend would think what you're currently wondering: should I really stay with this girl? I actually asked a question about it here on GuySpeak which MM thoughtfully answered. (Thanks, MM!) But once I finally did explain it fully to him, he was more than supportive and has been ever since. We all have our bad days. But if your guy makes you happy and is as amazing as you say, I wouldn't worry too much about it since he's on medication and is taking the steps to help himself. He was just being honest with you, as I was with my boyfriend. (In my case, at least, it was so that he knew when I was feeling bad it wasn't necessarily his fault.) I hope you guys stay happy together. :)

2) Nick, thank you for the LOST reference. Those always make my day. And great answer, too.

Brooke

"Not everyone on antidepressants is a total basket case. Many people live normal, happy lives with therapy and/or medication. Give him a chance."

^ Well said. While depession can be debilitating in the most severe of cases, mild depression doesn't tend to ruin people's romantic relationships. I understand the OP's concern, but I feel like part of her fear is a reflection of the stigma society has attached to mental illness. Best to keep an open mind and not give the guy a chance like Nick said instead of write him off right away.

Brooke

***Correction: GIVE the guy a chance.*** Typo on my part.

Brooke

***Correction: GIVE the guy a chance.*** Typo on my part.

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