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- Best Platform for 30+ Singles United Kingdom
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- A suitable online dating service with a highly capable matchmaking algorithm
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- Nearly one million registered members trust our scientific approach to matchmaking
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- One of the best dating sites for lonely singles
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- Mentalhealthmates.co.uk is a network of peer support groups IRL and online, run by people who experience their own mental health issues, meeting regularly to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement
- With Walks across the United Kingdom, Mental Health Mates has become a thriving community that only continues to grow!
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We live in a complicated world full of deep pain, nasty blows of fate and bleak existences. While many happy people enjoy life effortlessly, we still have a significant number of people who struggle with psychological and mental health problems on a day-to-day basis.
They lead challenging lives, plagued by unresolved issues and inner emptiness in a never-ending depression-ridden existence. However, contrary to many claims, depressed people can also love.
For this reason, particularly for those with chronic mental health conditions, there are alternative dating sites and dating apps that can bring like-minded people in the UK together.
Contents
- Which dating sites and apps are best used by British singles with mental health issues and depression?
- 1. OkCupid
- 2. Be2
- 4. Hinge
- 4. Mental Health Mates
- Why partners with mental illness and anxiety are difficult to deal with
- Do dating sites work for people struggling with depression and mental illness?
- The intersection of LGBTQ+ identities, mental health, and online dating
- Are there bipolar dating sites & apps in the UK?
- More articles related to singles with mental health issues
- Issues arising when dating someone with mental health problems in the UK
- Should British adults struggling with a mental disorder use dating apps & matchmaking services?
- How can you help your partner overcome his anxiety?
- The role of therapy and counselling in conjunction with online dating for those with mental health issues
- Relationship and mental health dating in the UK
- Other niche dating categories
- Can dating websites help people struggling with depression & mental health?
- Alleviate your mental illness by meeting like-minded people in the United Kingdom via online dating services
- Resources
Which dating sites and apps are best used by British singles with mental health issues and depression?
For people struggling with mental health issues and depression, dating can be difficult. However, finding love and companionship from the comfort of your own home has become easier with the emergence of online dating.
Below are some of the best online dating sites and apps specifically suited to people with mental health issues and depression.
1. OkCupid
OkCupid is a popular dating site that uses a unique matching algorithm to help users find compatible partners. The site has a dedicated mental health section where users can find resources for managing depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
OkCupid is free to use, but it also offers paid memberships that unlock additional features, such as seeing who likes you and accessing advanced search filters.
2. Be2
Be2 is a platform that uses a compatibility matching system to help users find long-term partners. Many users on the site openly share their struggles anxiety and other psychological issues and encourage others to share their experiences. Be2 offers both free and paid memberships, starting at 30.95 GBP per month.
4. Hinge
With a focus on building meaningful connections between users, Hinge may be a better alternative to mainstream dating apps than other big names like Tinder, Grindr or Feeld. After all, singles with mental health issues are often left more emotionally damaged than before by meaningless casual hook-ups.
4. Mental Health Mates
Created by Bryony Gordon in 2016, as a network of IRL and online peer support groups, Mental Health Mates is organized by individuals who have personally experienced mental health issues and gather regularly to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement.
Organizing walks across the UK, Mental Health Mates has become a flourishing and growing network, helping people of all ages and backgrounds. To be clear, Mental Health Mates is not a dedicated matchmaking service, yet over the years many members have met their significant other through this network.
Each of these dating sites and apps provides a safe and supported space for people with mental health issues and depression to connect with others and find love. Rates vary by site and membership level, but all of these services offer free options for getting started.
Overall, OkCupid and be2 are great options for those looking for a more serious relationship, whereas people looking for a more casual, fun and low-key hook-up can use Hinge and Bumble.
Why partners with mental illness and anxiety are difficult to deal with
Depression is real and can last for a considerable amount of time, in some cases, it can stick with you throughout your life.
The first thing to be aware of is that finding a partner, while struggling with a psychiatric illness, can be particularly challenging. For many British singles involved , a constant feeling of unease and otherness goes hand in hand with mental health problems.
Most people around them have difficulty understanding the thoughts of a depressed person, and it is precisely this problem which makes it such an arduous task for them to find a partner who is on the same page.
Often, chronically mentally ill people are associated with certain characteristics: Often, they seem apathetic, distant or even arrogant to other people.
People with psychological problems, however, are exactly the opposite of snobbish or arrogant. Instead, they are more concerned with themselves and their own feelings. For this reason, they are reluctant to enter into a serious and intimate relationship.
Often, they fear rejection and emotional commitment because it leaves them in a vulnerable state. They will trade a certain degree of emotional autonomy and intimacy for interpersonal charity.
We believe that the right romantic match may help them to improve their mental health. Bear in mind, however, that there is no timeline for betterment – let alone recovery.
Among some people, episodes or phases of depression may only last a few weeks, while others are plagued by mental pain for years.
Of course, this can also have a direct impact on dating prospects. It is usually pointless to demand that normality returns to your life immediately.
Always keep in mind that you did not choose this condition, some unfortunate people happen to be psychologically predisposed to certain disorders, nevertheless, it is worth striving for a better life, and that includes finding love.
Do dating sites work for people struggling with depression and mental illness?
All of the registered users are at least familiar with the topic of “mental illnesses and psychological disorders and are sensitised towards the topic of sorrow.
Therefore, these platforms geared towards adults with mental problems offer a better starting point for a long-term relationship compared to conventional dating apps, which are notorious for having a heavier emphasis placed on superficial matchmaking.
Check out this article, where we guide you through the steps of leading a fulfilling relationship while struggling with psychological traum and mental health.
By dealing with the issue in a transparent and empathetic fashion, while navigating an accepting and positive environment, it is possible to overcome this mental illness in the long run.
However, feelings of shame must be overcome for those affected to live in a partnership without experiencing discomfort.
The intersection of LGBTQ+ identities, mental health, and online dating
For LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK, the challenges of mental health and online dating can be uniquely complex.
Many face additional stressors related to coming out, discrimination, and societal pressures, which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
Some dating apps, like OkCupid and Hinge, offer inclusive options for gender identity and sexual orientation, creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ users. However, the fear of rejection or discrimination can still heighten anxiety for many.
Mental Health Mates has LGBTQ+-specific meet-ups, providing a supportive environment for those seeking platonic connections. For romantic pursuits, apps like Her and Grindr cater specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals, though they may not explicitly address mental health concerns.
Queer people must seek out affirming therapists and support groups that understand the intersection of these identities. By combining a supportive mental health network with mindful online dating practices, LGBTQ+ people with mental health problems can seek meaningful relationships while prioritizing their well-being.
Are there bipolar dating sites & apps in the UK?
Dating agencies that provide a stigma-free safe space for people struggling with psychotic issues also serve lonely bipolar singles in the UK well. Currently, there are no dedicated bipolar dating agencies for singles in the UK.
However, platforms designed for lonely singles are also frequented by people diagnosed with bipolarity. Socializing with other bipolar singles can have a positive impact on your current condition and positively impact the outcome of your treatment.
People struggling with psychological problems should not be doomed to fight isolation and solitude simultaneously, as social isolation can trigger and escalate the current psychological condition.
Issues arising when dating someone with mental health problems in the UK
Dating apps that address singles with mental health problems naturally welcome non-depressed people.
Not having a mental illness is not an eliminating factor for admission by these types of dating platforms.
Let’s assume that your potential partner has been suffering from a “bipolar disorder” or has recurring episodes of severe depression, since he or she was a teenager.
As a result, your partner has developed severe social phobia and is becoming increasingly isolated from other people. Please refrain from taking anything personally and try, as best you can, to talk to her about your emotional state.
Signal to her that you are trustworthy and will not leave her. Promptly try to become more compassionate so that you can empathise with her and become a better romantic partner.
Show her that you care about her mental well-being and overall health. Depression is often triggered by a stressful situation or event, a family history or seasonal changes, to name a few examples.
There may not necessarily be an identifiable cause or a distinct reason either. Dedicating some time to learn about depression can help you better understand what your partner is going through.
Encourage him or her to seek professional help. There are many effective treatments for depression, but doing nothing and hoping that symptoms will magically disappear is not a good option.
The majority of chronically sorrowful singles in the UK have had suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. The prospective partner should also be mentally prepared and ready for such episodes.
Both parties should be fully aware of the affiliated symptoms and be prepared to deal with them:
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Cognitive impairment
- Lack of concentration
- Depersonalization: The feeling of not being able to be mentally present.
As you can easily see, living with a moody companion brings with it a number of challenges.
Often, a biochemical imbalance between the two neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine is the trigger for many mental illnesses in patients.
Many depressed singles have difficulties finding a partner. A legitimate and professional matchmaking agency is recommended for this purpose, as conventional dating is associated with a lot of emotional effort and Angst for the emotionally sick.
Should British adults struggling with a mental disorder use dating apps & matchmaking services?
Excessive periods of introversion and perpetual self-obsession are common symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolarity. One tends to dwell on oneself and one’s problems for a significant duration. Compulsive thoughts and feelings obstruct from leading a healthy everyday life.
Like any other illness, it takes time to heal and sometimes it may be wise to consider taking time off from dating and prioritize your health and well-being. You alone can know that. Your health should always come first.
Depression makes you less confident, unable to laugh and less willing to open up to new people. It can make you feel more vulnerable and hamper your true personality from showing up in the first place.
How can you help your partner overcome his anxiety?
The best activities to do with a depressed person or someone suffering from severe anxiety are those that stimulate positive energy. Do something exciting and create new experiences within your partnership or with your best friends.
Pick something that makes you both laugh, for instance, a comedy show, a movie or a game night with good friends.
Sports and physical activity are also terrific means of increasing your well-being and boosting the output of endorphins.
You do not have to be a professional athlete to do this: Take a walk in the park, go to a football field with friends for an afternoon, or plan a bike tour into the countryside together.
The role of therapy and counselling in conjunction with online dating for those with mental health issues
This placement is appropriate because it follows the advice on supporting a partner with anxiety, and introduces professional help as a resource before discussing broader relationship dynamics.
By inserting these sections in these locations, you maintain the logical flow of the article while expanding on important related topics. Remind yourself to adjust any numbering or formatting in your table of contents and throughout the article to accommodate these new sections.
Relationship and mental health dating in the UK
Be honest: If someone with depression is too much for you to handle, it is best to be straight with them and break up the relationship.
To stay in a relationship with somebody out of pity or a sense of responsibility is not fair to any person and will only hurt them one way or the other. Staying in a relationship and hoping that the other person will change or “come out of their shell” is not realistic.
However, if he or she is not the right person for you, you can end the relationship to find someone who will be a good fit for you.
Depression does not have to mean the end for every couple. Even though many non-depressed people are easily overwhelmed, because you have a mental illness, you should not be excluded from a relationship by default.
Chronically mentally ill adults and individuals affected by other mental diseases can maintain healthy and stable relationships.
Other niche dating categories
Can dating websites help people struggling with depression & mental health?
People experiencing depressive episodes know this all too well. They are not exactly known for being flamboyant, extraverted or particularly sociable.
Being in a bad mood doesn’t necessarily encourage you to go to the hottest party with your mates or impulsively join them in their favourite pub.
On the contrary, they tend to shut themselves off and isolate themselves socially. This may also develop into a socially phobic mental illness.
This vicious circle must be broken by all means. This is where online dating sites come in.
Alleviate your mental illness by meeting like-minded people in the United Kingdom via online dating services
For this reason, we can recommend a dating app or reputable matchmaking services to singles to find a partner or to widen their existing social circle.
During difficult times particularly, it is immensely important to have a trustworthy person by your side. Take your time when searching for a partner online.
The choice of a suitable dating agency or personal website should not be made from one day to the next. Check out a few dating sites and apps before you double down on a provider of your choosing.
Registration is usually free of charge and provides you with a community of like-minded singles, hoping to find the perfect match. Let us wish you a good recovery and success in your search for a compatible companion!
Resources
If you’re experiencing severe emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts in the UK, it’s crucial to know that help is available.
The Samaritans offer a 24/7 helpline at 116 123, where you can speak to a trained volunteer for free, confidential support. For those who prefer texting, SHOUT provides a crisis text service – just text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
The NHS also offers urgent mental health helplines in every area of England, which you can find by searching for ‘NHS urgent mental health helpline’ along with your location.
If you’re under 35, Papyrus HOPELINEUK (0800 068 4141) provides support specifically for young people. In emergencies, don’t hesitate to call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These services are there to support you through difficult times and help you find a way forward.
