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.