Samuel Chiltern answered
People with mental health issues both need and deserve to be treated in the same way as everyone else - but with certain exceptions that will be particular to their condition.
You should never blame a person for their mental illness, because frequently, guilt is already a part of many conditions anyway. You will only compound things by making them feel bad about it.
Sometimes it can be very tiring to care for a person with mental health issues, but you must always try to keep your temper.
You don't specify why she is scared of you hurting her, but it sounds as if she has issues with trusting people.
You will need to work very carefully to build up her trust. You will need to show her your support, that you trust her, and that you're happy for her to be in charge of your relationship.
Sometimes, you might need to give her time alone, and sometimes, she might just want you to hold her. If you show her you're willing to do these things for her, then she will begin to trust you.
Encourage her to seek professional help - she might be in denial about the severity of her condition, because her coping strategies will seem 'normal' to her. Again, don't lose your patience, because once you've started earning her trust, she will start to listen to you.
If you really love her, you will do all this for her and more, and expect nothing in return. She is very lucky to have you, and by helping her in this way, you will be able to build a very strong and loving relationship.
You should never blame a person for their mental illness, because frequently, guilt is already a part of many conditions anyway. You will only compound things by making them feel bad about it.
Sometimes it can be very tiring to care for a person with mental health issues, but you must always try to keep your temper.
You don't specify why she is scared of you hurting her, but it sounds as if she has issues with trusting people.
You will need to work very carefully to build up her trust. You will need to show her your support, that you trust her, and that you're happy for her to be in charge of your relationship.
Sometimes, you might need to give her time alone, and sometimes, she might just want you to hold her. If you show her you're willing to do these things for her, then she will begin to trust you.
Encourage her to seek professional help - she might be in denial about the severity of her condition, because her coping strategies will seem 'normal' to her. Again, don't lose your patience, because once you've started earning her trust, she will start to listen to you.
If you really love her, you will do all this for her and more, and expect nothing in return. She is very lucky to have you, and by helping her in this way, you will be able to build a very strong and loving relationship.
