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I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

BlueButterfly50Senior Contributor

I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2005. I was very angry with the psychiatrist although I had already diagnosed myself based on what I had read. While I still have lingering issues with the way I was told, I have used the DSM V nine criteria, all of which I fulfil, as a descriptive diagnosis and checklist for healing. I looked at all the symptoms and worked on them with my therapist and practiced skills (not DBT) at home during my work/family/friends life. It took me a very long time to change the way I viewed the outside world and I now get it right most of the time. I used to smash things, video players, vacuum cleaners and plates and cups and found it impossible to hold down a job. I also found it difficult to keep long term relationships and lost many friends. I now use mindfulness skills to keep my emotions in control.

My thought processes are a lot more flexible now and I have put personal boundaries in place. I work as a peer support worker in the mental health industry and a greater majority of my clients have a diagnosis of BPD which they are finding it difficult to accept and neither should they accept what does not sit well with them. Not everyone wants to accept this stigmatising diagnosis and it may not be the right one for them. The DSM is by no means perfect and is only a description of external behaviour, it does not take into account the beautiful person you are when not unwell. You are not your diagnosis, but you can use it as a blueprint for gaining mental wellness, if you feel this is a useful tool.

I am starting up a BPD consumer support group in Western Australia in January, 2015. The premise of this is social inclusion, psychoeducation of the symptoms, how to deal with them, coping strategies, support, sharing and caring of stories and friendship. I was in over-eaters anonymous years ago and found the friendship and support there invaluable.

My questions are: Has getting a diagnosis helped you? How was it delivered to you? (I found out mine in a letter to my GP, the psychiatrist did not discuss this with me). Would you attend a support group for people with BPD if one was near you?

I would really appreciate your feedback on this as I want to be able to help give the right support in the right way that suits others.

102 replies

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In response to: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

BlueBaySenior Contributor

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Hi @Flameslinger
I suffer from depression anxiety post traumatic stress and BPD for the past 7 yrs. I'm 51 and find this very difficult. I struggle vontrolling the quick change of my emotions. They can be ok one minute and sky high the next.
If you want to chat or ask questions pls tag me and I'm more than happy to chat. 😊

In response to: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

FlameslingerSenior Contributor

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

@Former-Member

I am seeing a counsellor. But she has given three week break from seeing her. She wants to change my sessions to fortnightly instead of weekly to expand the number of sessions we have.

When my old psychologist tried EMDR on me. Well something changed in me. I went very suicidal for a whole week. I had police coming to my house every day for a welfare check. I had the crisis team calling me everyday and so many other things. But anyway since then I use to be able to hide my anger. But now at times it is like I am on a rampage and I mess up my house including breaking things. Or sometimes the little things set me off and I want punch random people in the face. But people say I wouldn't hurt anyone not intentionally.

In response to: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

FlameslingerSenior Contributor

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Hello @BlueBay,

Wow someone who has the same conditions as me. I am 23 years old. I have been struggling with these conditions most of my life. I didn't find out I had any of these until I started counselling when I was 17 years old. Since then I have learnt a lot but these mental illnesses.

How do you put a picture as a profile?

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Hi @Flameslinger you need to be on a computer - desk top or laptop to be able to put on a picture. Then you go into your profile (top right of the page where it says your user name) and the options are in there. Hope this helps.
I know @Former-Member started a thread recently for those under 30 if you want to look it up (Though she was the only one hehe! And i felt old being just over 30!) Hope the forums are a helpful space for you!
Glad you've learnt a lot since you started counselling, do you feel it's helping?
LJ

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

@Flameslinger

i know how hard it is, im only 20 myself and was only daignosed last year with all these things but ive ahd these for a while but not aware of what it was.

your profile pciture if you click onto you name and go to your profile, in the corner of the pic itll say edit then you can upload a picture and set it as your profile picture

have you considered seeing a psychiatrsit to have them monitor medications and change them or add to them if neccessary? it may help you if they thinks its something that will help you..

so you need help with anger management skills?

has your psychologist given you any coping strategies to start with?

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

hehe @Former-Member i dont care how old you are your under 30 at heart lol 😉

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

lol absolutely @Former-Member 😛

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

hey @Former-Member

did my study schedule come up yet on my thread?

In response to: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

FlameslingerSenior Contributor

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

@Former-Member,

My counsellor suggested getting a boxing bag.
I do find helpful is using the local arcade stores in my area very helpful. But that is only temporary and when I have money.

My medication has changed a lot due to side affects or became not longer helpful.

In response to: Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

Unknown userMember

Re: I found getting a borderline personality disorder diagnosis very helpful

a boxing bag is a great idea but what about other ideas that also help reduce the anger esp when things arent avalaiable to you? @Flameslinger

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