The Unconventional Meeting

My current girlfriend and I met in a psych ward, and to everyone's surprise, we've been together for nearly 8 months. While some might see this as a fluke, my experiences have shown that love can indeed blossom in unconventional places. For me, finding a woman who fancies me in each of my hospital admissions is a common occurrence. Whether it's bipolar disorder or another disorder, there have been instances where I fell for the patient I encountered.

One such instance was particularly memorable, as we developed a deep connection. However, she asked for my number, and I hesitated, fearing that during a psychotic episode, I might do something that could jeopardize our relationship. I didn’t want to delve into details but instead wrote to her in the psych ward to maintain our connection from afar.

The Power of Connection

Despite our limited interactions, the connection was undeniable. One woman I still hear her voice every day, either through twin flame telepathy or hallucinations. Her voice remains a constant in my life, reminding me of the transformative moments we shared. During manic episodes, I felt the urge to protect her, and in her depressed states, she would look to me for support. Our bond was so strong that even after her release, I continued to hear her voice.

The Challenges of Hospital Life

However, the challenges of hospital life are evident. When she left, I deteriorated, and the voices became more frequent. It took two years for me to stop hearing her voice. During one particularly manic spell, I went to her workplace to leave notes for her, despite her earlier warning. The no-consequences mindset of the manic state can be dangerous, and I wish I could go back and do things differently now that I have hindsight.

Arguments for and Against Hospital Relationships

Arguments in Favor

Not everyone views these relationships as doomed from the start. For instance, ten years ago, a partial hospitalization turned into a long, stressful inpatient stay. A woman there and I hit it off and formed a unique bond. We held hands, stole physical contact, and even vowed to meet under the guise of a hospital ruse to sneak in some romance. Our first kiss was both thrilling and intense, and we continued to communicate outside the hospital. Her departure and my release marked the beginning of a relationship filled with both highs and lows.

Arguments Against

Nevertheless, these relationships often end up not working out. This past relationship was with someone who had severe issues, leading to numerous relocations and constantly breaking promises. Though I wouldn't undo the experience, the relationship eventually ended in a messy breakup. Today, she resides in a rehab facility, a stark reminder of the fragility of these relationships.

Lessons Learned

While these relationships may seem fraught with challenges, they also offer valuable lessons. It's important to navigate them with care and understand the dynamics involved. Whether it's the temporary nature of mental health issues or the complexities of human connection, these experiences should be approached with an open heart and a deep understanding of the challenges they may bring.