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averagecrowContributor
I've been diagnosed with BPD since 2016 but I'm still struggling with it like I've just been diagnosed.
I've behaved in ways that would prove the stigma about BPD.
I'm finally trying to get better, but I've hurt a lot of people and it feels like my life is already over. It feels like I'm drowning in shame. It feels like the kindness and goodness I try to do today is overshadowed by all the bad I've done in my past. So tired of feeling so low all the time.
In response to: BPD shame
tymeModerator
You've melted my heart @Judi9877 . What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing!
In response to: BPD shame
BowSenior Contributor
Hi @averagecrow
welcome to the forums…. I know you’ve been here for a little while, I’m just a bit slow at the moment!
I was diagnosed with BPD back in 2005-2006ish. I was a very different person back then and could certainly see the behaviours of a BPD sufferer in myself, although at the time I hated it the diagnosis and I guess the stigma that came along with it. I think I was often viewed as a trouble maker and seeking attention. I know that I was just really lost, confused and hurting though. I tried to understand it the best I could but it didn’t really make sense to me.
i got some pretty intense therapy and a combination of a few things, managed to get my life back on track. Was therapy/ medication free for 10+ years. I believe I was recovered, but that diagnosis still followed me around. I noticed on any paper work from my gp, my medical history said ‘personality disorder’. I hated it. I left that gp and that history and I did mention it to my new one, but it’s not important anymore.
I like what @tyme has mentioned here, about focusing on one behaviour at a time that you perhaps would like to change. Don’t worry about the official diagnosis, it really is only important in getting the right kind of therapy.
Hoping that @BPDSurvivor jumps in at some point as I have found them to be a wealth of knowledges with lives experienced of it.
wishing you well @averagecrow
In response to: Re: BPD shame
tymeModerator
I've heard that many people dislike the 'personality disorder' label, because it makes them feel there is something innately wrong with their personality! I totally get what you mean @Bow .
That's why I focus on functionality. That is, how well I function in society irrespective of the label. That may be how I maintain healthy relationships, boundary setting, emotional regulation - the LOT.
@averagecrow
Thank you for sharing @Bow
tyme
In response to: Re: BPD shame
BowSenior Contributor
Yes @tyme …. Something very innately wrong with me. That certainly rings very true for me.
In response to: Re: BPD shame
tymeModerator
From what I know, there has been a lot of petitioning to change the name of BPD to something else @Bow .
But as you rightly said, let's focus on what we CAN do about it, rather than our deficits.
Hugs, @Bow
In response to: Re: BPD shame
BowSenior Contributor
Was interested to know what other possible names they would use @tyme so did a quick google search and read an article. No real suggestions on a new name other than ‘mood dysregulation disorder’. But they talked about how BPD not only borders on mood disorders, but is often also trauma related and psychotic disorders due to the lack of realistic thinking. So at the end of the day it’s not the name that needs changing but the attitude towards it….
which is the hard part, because the whole stigma attached to mh issues in general.
psychiatrist that I seen last year questioned my BPD and said that it’s probably more CPTSD… but they both have similar characteristics.
In response to: Re: BPD shame
BPDSurvivorSenior Contributor
How are you going @Bow @averagecrow @Judi9877 ?
As challenging as BPD is, I hope it’ll take you on an incredible journey of self-discovery which you never thought possible. Books cannot teach you what BPD can. Not only about yourself, but about others and your place in society. It’ll teach you about self-worth, self-determination, self-will and much more.
Embrace the ‘monster’ and you’ll tame it.
BPDSurvivor
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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