Some people can become emotionally or behaviourally unstable when they stop taking prescribed psychiatric medication abruptly — especially if the medication was helping manage serious symptoms related to conditions such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, severe depression, psychosis, or certain personality and mood disorders.

But it’s important to say this carefully and accurately:

mental illness itself does not automatically make someone violent or abusive.

Most people with mental health conditions are not violent. In fact, they are statistically more likely to be vulnerable themselves than dangerous to others.

However, problems can arise when there is a combination of factors such as:

• untreated or poorly managed symptoms
• stopping medication suddenly without medical supervision
• substance misuse
• severe emotional dysregulation
• paranoia, delusions, or impulsivity in some cases
• refusal of professional help
• or a history of aggressive behaviour already present

In those situations, behaviour can sometimes become:

• unpredictable
• emotionally volatile
• verbally aggressive
• intimidating
• or, in some cases, physically unsafe

From a neuroscience perspective, certain medications help stabilise:

• mood regulation
• impulse control
• perception of reality
• anxiety responses
• and emotional reactivity

Stopping medication abruptly can sometimes disrupt those systems significantly.

That’s why doctors strongly advise:

• never stopping psychiatric medication suddenly without supervision
• regular monitoring
• gradual medication changes where appropriate
• and ongoing professional support

In relationships, what matters most is not whether someone has a diagnosis.

The important questions are:

• Are they self-aware?
• Do they take responsibility for their health?
• Are they consistent with treatment?
• Do they seek help when struggling?
• Do they behave safely and respectfully toward others?

Because accountability and treatment engagement are far more predictive of relationship safety than diagnosis labels alone.

And equally important:

nobody should stay in a relationship where they feel frightened, threatened, intimidated, or unsafe — regardless of the reason behind the behaviour.

You can have compassion for someone’s struggles while still protecting your own wellbeing and boundaries.