Lost and need some help

Good Evening @Minnie2 ,

Thank you for reaching out and posting - I'm glad you have found us.

I hear how challenging things are for you at the moment.

From what I know of BPD and through my own personal experience, BPD manifests itself from late teenage-hood and into adulthood. This is when the brain has fully developed into an adult brain. If you don't mind me asking, how old it your son?

I've worked with many teenagers and what you are describing seems to be quite common. Teenagehood is when their brains are rapidly changing. Networks in the brain are being pruned, ready for new growth. This change causes a lot of emotional changes, a change in sleep patterns, risk-taking, just to name a few.

If you're interested, there's a book that both scientifically and anecdotally explains these changes. The book is called Blame My Brain: the Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan.

Despite it being challenging, the good news is, that if your son is in his early teens, it is the perfect time for him to receive the help he needs whether it be through the school wellbeing team, or an outside service. Guidance by a professional will enable him to develop healthy networks in the brain - of course, only if he is willing.

Now when it comes to 'What have I done wrong?' - NOTHING. Your son seems to be a typical teenager.

As we cannot provide medical advice on our services, if able, I'd encourage him to see a GP for perhaps a referral to a specialist.

On the other hand, if he is not willing, there's little you can do - but continue have open arms towards him.... and WAIT.

All the best,

tyme

Hi Tyme,

thank you for your response he is nearly 17. His behaivours are not normal teenage behaivour. A clinical psychologist has seen him and there are narcissistic tendencies and he thinks He fits under Cluster B and more than likely BPD. Yes have seen a GP which is where I got a referral from.

Thank you for clarifying.

It's a great start @Minnie2 that he has gone to see the GP and specialist. If he is willing, therapy will really assist him, but it takes time and perseverance.

From what you've just described, your son realises something is 'not right'. Does he know what he wants out of life, or for his future?

As for yourself, besides your clinical psych, do you have other supports you can talk to? e.g. family or friends? Please remember your own self care so that you will be well enough for your son.

Take care,

tyme

Oh, and I should also direct you to:

1. Topic Tuesday // Supporting loved ones living with BPD // Tuesday 25th January, 7pm-8:30pm AEDT

2. Raising Awareness of BPD - Flipping the Script

3. LIVE CHAT: BPD for Friends, Family and Carers - This Sunday 3rd October 7:00-8:30pm AEDT

4. https://www.sane.org/information-stories/facts-and-guides/borderline-personality-disorder?highlight=WyJicGQiLCJicGQncyJd

5. https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/mental-illness/living-with-bpd-the-facts?highlight=WyJicGQiLCJicGQncyJd

This is a start,

tyme