I don't really know where to begin with this. I have a personality disorder that makes it hard for me to connect with people on an emotional level sometimes. And I feel like it's affecting my relationship negatively.
My partner has bipolar depression and for the last several months, things have been fine between us. Recently, work has gotten a bit crazy and my partner has had to spend sometimes up to 16 hours on shift at the hospital -- a nurse in the ICU unit. And it's really starting to take a toll.
We don't talk very often because when there isn't work to be done, there's sleep to be had. And by the time morning rolls around again, it's time for another shift.
My partner recently opened up to me and explained that every little thing I do without them hurts. They feel isolated and alone. They feel like they don't have anyone to talk to and that I'm replacing them by making plans with other people.
I've tried my hardest to explain that nothing and no one in the world could replace them. They have my whole heart. But it isn't comforting to them.
I don't know how to help. They already asked to have their shifts changed / workload lessened, but the request was denied. And they're struggling so hard just to make it through every day.
I don't know what to do or suggest. I already offered to call them every single break they have. I told them they can wake me up at night if I fall asleep before they're home. But neither of these options makes them feel any better.
I keep trying to lay around sweet notes and offer contact whenever it's possible, but none of that seems to be helping either.
They told me they don't want to exist anymore.
I don't know what to do. What can I do to help change their situation?
My partner has bipolar depression and for the last several months, things have been fine between us. Recently, work has gotten a bit crazy and my partner has had to spend sometimes up to 16 hours on shift at the hospital -- a nurse in the ICU unit. And it's really starting to take a toll.
We don't talk very often because when there isn't work to be done, there's sleep to be had. And by the time morning rolls around again, it's time for another shift.
My partner recently opened up to me and explained that every little thing I do without them hurts. They feel isolated and alone. They feel like they don't have anyone to talk to and that I'm replacing them by making plans with other people.
I've tried my hardest to explain that nothing and no one in the world could replace them. They have my whole heart. But it isn't comforting to them.
I don't know how to help. They already asked to have their shifts changed / workload lessened, but the request was denied. And they're struggling so hard just to make it through every day.
I don't know what to do or suggest. I already offered to call them every single break they have. I told them they can wake me up at night if I fall asleep before they're home. But neither of these options makes them feel any better.
I keep trying to lay around sweet notes and offer contact whenever it's possible, but none of that seems to be helping either.
They told me they don't want to exist anymore.
I don't know what to do. What can I do to help change their situation?