Yeah

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

I used to cut myself, but haven't in about a year, since I started to get myself together. My boyfriend hasn't reached that point yet though, and I'm worried about him. He hasn't been diagnosed, but he has some sort of mental illness I'm sure. He's similar to what I go through, mood swing-wise, but his depressions go deeper and his mania crazier. When he gets extremely depressed, he sometimes switches personalities. He says this other self is always there when he's depressed, and when it gets bad it just takes over. He doesn't remember what happens when in this personality, but often "wakes up" in a different location (sometimes in another room, sometimes outside and miles from home). This stresses his out and depresses him more, and he'll cut himself up pretty badly. He's stitched himself up at home and used make-shift tourniquets to slow the bleeding many times. I encourage him to go to the doctor during these times, for proper treatment, but he always refuses. He says it's "not that bad", or that he's "got it under control", or that his parents would get mad at him. They know he does this, but ignore it. They don't see it as a problem, just a pathetic cry for attention. But I know that's not it, this is his way of coping, and until they get him to a professional who can help him figure things out, he may not ever learn new, safe, coping mechanisms.

I do the best I can to be there for him, to help him out when he gets so low, but there's only so much I can do over the internet (he lives in England, I'm in California, we only get to see each other during summer). I've tried everything I can, I've even emailed Dr. Phil for advice, twice! (and I never got a response of any kind, so a lot of good that did)

Is there anything anyone can think of that I can do, or suggest that he do? I'm running out of ideas.

[Sapphire]

If he refuses to get help for this then there is nothing more you can do. Even if you lived closer to each other there is not much more you can do.

Is it at all possible that due to the distance you don't get the full picture of the situation and that things are not as bad as they sound?

Keep supporting him and encouraging him to get some help.

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

I've wondered if maybe the distance distorts things, but since we've both gotten web cams and I've been able to see him while he's going through some of these feelings... there's no mistaking that look in his eyes. Utter despair. I just feel so useless when I can't do anything but sit and watch. I can't even hold his hand, or give him a hug, literally be there for him. :(