Article: Few people will immediately reject you and walk away when informed that you have a mental illness, and, if so, good riddance.  Many people will offer immediate support and a strong desire to continue the relationship, but that enthusiasm may wane before long.  Don’t discount your prospective partner’s immediate reaction to your revelation, but also allow some time for the fuller picture to be revealed. Offer the other person time to think as you are making your revelation:  “I know this is a lot to take in, and I don’t expect you to make any decisions about our relationship right this second.  Take some time to think about what we’ve discussed, and take a look at these materials on my condition if you’d like.” Even if the odds are low that your prospective partner will break things off with you on the spot, it is possible that your mental illness revelation will trigger the end of the relationship.  If this happens, don’t regret that you told the other person; regret that this person was too scared, selfish, or uninformed to see that your mental illness does not wholly define you and that a meaningful relationship was possible.  You should actually be relieved that you found out your prospective partner couldn’t handle your truth before things got more serious.  That doesn’t mean being rejected won’t hurt, though.  Seek out the solace of your “mental health team” of friends, loved ones, and professionals. The end of a budding relationship doesn’t prove that your mental illness makes you undateable.  Instead, it shows just how much you are like everyone else trying to find a lasting, healthy, romantic partnership. It is difficult to handle being dumped because you have a mental illness.  It can also be difficult to accept the help and support of your new romantic partner.  You don’t have to feel like you are becoming a burden or asking too much of a new significant other.  Accept this display of generosity graciously and take it as a sign of growth in your relationship.  The other person will probably make a general offer like “I want to be there for you.  Let me know what I can do to help.”  If so, don’t be afraid to specify what you do need and want.  If it was a false offer, you’ll find out soon enough. If the other person starts saying things like “I know this doctor you have to see” or “You need to try this herbal supplement I’ve heard about,” you don’t need to feel obligated to accept this type of help.  You need to remain in control of how you address your mental illness. If the other person is genuinely supportive of your status and eager to continue the relationship, you should be eager to make your revelation an ongoing discussion.  Your mental illness will continue to be with you, and you will go through ups and downs, so keep your new partner informed with regular chats about your condition and your feelings. If things don’t turn out so well and the relationship ends, get back out there and give it another try with someone else (and someone better).  It will never be easy to reveal your mental illness to a new romantic interest, but you will become more comfortable doing so over time.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Give your partner time and space to respond. Accept rejection if it occurs. Accept support if it is offered. Keep talking or keep trying.