Depressed BF/best friend of 9 years dumped me...help

My ex (we broke up yesterday), was my best friend for 9 years through the years and distance. After what seemed like fate, we reconnected recently a few months ago and sparks flew immediately. We admitted we had feelings for each other over the years and that he had always loved me and compared his interests to me and my character. Over the years, we had always confided in each other with the deepest of things and genuinely encouraged and supported the other. Looking back on the messages a few months ago..i realized we really cared for each other profoundly.

We fell in love quickly and deeply and he was the one pursuing and leading the relationship. Due to some regulations in our jobs..he’s military..he was willing to get out ASAP just to be with me. He had been doing this the last few months..doing everything in his power to get out by December 30th because it was not only his dream...but he knew this was the only way for us to be together openly and asap. I am currently abroad for work for the last 1.5 months(and we were long distance anyways in the relationship), but i noticed a change in him. I noticed in the last 1.5 week, he distant and preoccupied. He was not the thoughtful, invested person he was just recently-not even my best friend anymore. He had told me JUST a few days prior how in love he was with me and i was the reason he was making these changes for (of course for his future, but i was the catalyst...otherwise he woud've waited another year or so and not pushed to get out of the military).

I brought up the fact that i felt his distance and that he was pushing me away. He admitted that he was depressed and then I said that  maybe i needed space too so it didnt affect me..one thing led to another and we were skyping.

He's been trying to separate since he's military so we could be together and also since his dream was to finish college. It's been hard since they haven't give him orders and he's been super stressed since if they do it last minute he'll have to get an apartment,find a job,etc within like 2 weeks.anyways..he's been very distant the last 2 weeks and pushed me away but wanted to be in a relationship..it hurt me so we got into more and more fights.he admitted that he's had depression..hasn't been working out,going out, been very negative and eating junk food-he's a health freak.anyways,for the last 2 months and up to last Saturday he told me how in love he was with me,that he would drop his dream job for me, etc. and yesterday although I brought up maybe getting space and starting to feel indifferent because he's been so distant ..he started saying "you're right" I'm not right for you,you deserve better." and mentioned that he wasn't happy.etc..I stopped him and said no..if this is what you want you do it since you've been distant.anyways..he said maybe his feelings changed and he didn't want it and he's been very distracted and down and that I didn't help. He told me if I were the right person I would've helped him change how he feels and brought the best out of him. So since I didn't change how he feels I maybe am not right for him.he completely changed from what he had told methat he wasn't in love anymore, just about 3 days after he told me he was falling head over heels for me --and we've known each other for so long..I'm so confused.i know it was stressful but what do you think happened?

He started crying at the end and said he's never loved or felt this way about anyone and that's why it's hardest and he's never hurt this much. I've never been this confused or heartbroken. He also said he never wanted to put his job before me but that without even getting there that even the pursuit of his job he put before me but that he did. He said i deserve better...I just don't get it. Is this indicative that he truly fell out of love with me in a matter of a few days...or maybe never really loved me? it seemed so final for a man who called me the love of his life, told me our lovestory was something out of fairytales and one who I have KNOWN so deeply as a friend--an intimate friend before dating.

I just don't know what he has told me what is BS may be an excuse...like the "you deserev better.." line. I'm heartbroken and don't know what to do and although I know he has struggled with depression in the past...I just feel hurt and like he is blaming me. I don't know if we can be friends right away although he hinted at seeing me soon in December when he would be near my town. Any thoughts would be very appreciated. I lost my best friend and although I know I came of as needy (especially not understanding until it was too late that he was so depressed), I"m wondering if it was over in his heart and he happened to be depressed or it takes over and makes other's judgement clouded. Basically, from what I have said...does it seem like there is any hope?

Thank you

                                                                   

**we've been best friends for 9 almost ten years...have dated for about 6 months**

d

I do not know where you are in the world or what army your Man is in ? So it is difficult. 

Sometimes I feel a friendship that turns into a full sexual Relationship after so long may not work the friendship you had is just that although it may be different in your case.

The military at this time is fighting on many fronts and this could be part of the problem. He was also discussing leaving a steady job where most decisions are being made for him by the army Of course close bonds between army buddies may be pulling him both ways and that can also cause a further set of problems.

You also say He is depressed and He seems that He has not been able to explain or discuss these conerns with you.

Many people in the Military have problems settling in when they leave the servises and this call lead to problems getting a job and if He is luky to get work He may not settle and keep moving on to something else.

You need to both ask yourselves what you want in the future together. 

The other problem is where the arming will be taking Him over the short/long term. If He stays is there going to be a war or something that will be demanding His attention, could that be worrying Him and the pull of His friends in the army could be pulling Him in the opposite direction to where you stand in this relationship.

I understand your situation is stressfull not only for You also Him, you both need to talk face to face before the relationship goes further. Talk to your GP although I feel it is decision time for you both and mediations or CBT may not help at this time.

Good Luck, if you need to chat we are here

Keep a Hold

B.

Thank you, he is trying to get out of the military and he most  likely will..the timing and stress of it all has been what has been weighing him down. He sounds like he is not himself anymore...he broke up with me and said he didn't love me after telling me he was falling head over heals in love with me just a few days before (he had admitted he loved me for longer), and so i don't know if i should give him space..especially when he feels so distressed and he will spend the holidays alone now. We are long distance so the face to face was difficult...what do you suggest? I know i put pressure on him (because i was hurt and didnt understand it was depression until i talked to friends/familywho are psychologists). Should i be the friend i was for him in the meantime (even if im not wiht him i need him to be safe), and the combination of stress, isolation and an uncertain future makes him very very depressed. 

Your help is SOO appreicated!