@ On the way out : I think you are right in that he must be worried about being 'responsible' for me since certain things that he said sounded quite along those lines. I don't think I can currently afford counselling as I am looking for work but I have not felt suicidal for about 3 years now. I also have a small network of friends, and sites like this that I regularly go to, and the encouragement and positive reinforcement from friends and concerned ones gives me the motivation to keep myself going even though I do have setbacks.
@ sacolton : We have been together for over 2.5 years in the UK, but I had to move away for personal reasons but the plan is for us to be together in the near future and this is just a temporary thing.
@ yknot : Yes I took the abruptness as very hurtful and worrying as I thought he would be a bit more supportive. I mean he has been in the past when I have been a bit down etc, but maybe such a major revelation scares him. I am hoping that my lengthy email will clear up any misunderstandings in our conversation and we can come to some sort of mature discussion and compromise. I do have to really push myself to be out and about when I am low, but I have been talking to friends and will make an effort to meet up a pal for lunch tomorrow etc. Thanks for the hugs btw! :D
@ PSacramento : You are right, no one can be our crutch and our happiness shouldn't be defined by other people. It's very hard to remember that when you are feeling really low but I try to remind myself of that and it's good to hear/read it from other people too!