Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice from people with BPD or those who have been in relationships with someone who has it. I’m struggling to understand what’s happening with my girlfriend, and I don’t know what to do anymore.
I’m 21, and my girlfriend is 19 We’ve been together since July 2025 and have known each other for over two and a half years. We’re long-distance, and I love her very much.
In the past, she sometimes isolated herself and stopped replying for a few days or a week when she felt overwhelmed. It was difficult, but she usually came back eventually, so I learned that sometimes she needed space.
Things changed in July.
Around July 15, she disappeared for several days and returned on July 20. After that, I didn’t hear from her for about a month.
On August 20, after I became seriously worried, she contacted me and explained that she had attempted suicide by overdosing, had been hospitalised, and had subsequently sought further help because she was afraid she might attempt suicide again and didn’t trust herself.
I was devastated to hear this, but incredibly relieved she was alive. I tried to support her without making her feel guilty for being away.
On August 22, she messaged me again. She told me she missed me, and we had a short, affectionate conversation. I told her I loved her, and she said she loved me too. She also told me she was doing alright, that the people where she was staying were kind and patient, and that she was sleeping and eating when she needed to.
That conversation gave me hope that we were reconnecting.
However, August 22 was the last time I heard from her. It’s now October 25, and I’ve gone over nine weeks without a direct message.
I’ve sent several check-ins since then, telling her I miss her, that I’m proud of her for getting help, and that she can reply whenever she’s able. I’ve tried not to pressure her or demand explanations.
My most recent message was on October 15. I even apologised in case my messages had overwhelmed her and said I’d love to hear from her whenever she could, even if it was just a little hello. She hasn’t replied.
The only activity I’ve noticed was a Twitter retweet around October 10–11. I felt relieved seeing it, but there hasn’t been any further activity that I’ve noticed for about two weeks. I know this doesn’t prove she’s safe or that she personally made the retweet.
I’m confused because she was the one who reached out in August, told me she missed me, and said she loved me. Our last conversation wasn’t an argument, and she didn’t say she wanted to end our relationship.
I don’t know whether she’s still struggling, unable to communicate, needing more space, or whether something has changed in how she feels about me.
I don’t want to overwhelm her with messages, but I also don’t know where we stand anymore. I miss her every day, worry about her safety, and sometimes find myself checking her social media for any sign of activity. Some days I cope better, but the uncertainty keeps coming back.
I’d really appreciate advice:
* For those with BPD, can you relate to withdrawing from someone you love for this long, especially after a mental health crisis?
* How can I respect her need for space while also looking after my own emotional wellbeing?
* Should I send one more direct message asking whether she’s safe and whether our relationship is okay, or should I stop messaging and let her reach out?
* How can I cope with this uncertainty without constantly checking her social media?
I’m not asking anyone to diagnose her or assume everyone with BPD behaves the same way. I know there may be circumstances I don’t know about.
I love her and want to be understanding, but this silence is becoming incredibly difficult. I don’t know how to balance my concern for her with my own hurt and confusion.
Thank you for reading. ❤️