BPD diagnosis

@5tar that does seem strange. It's difficult to tell what is going on with a person when you haven't actually met them. I'm wondering if it's possible you may be experiencing some kind of hormonal imbalance or Seasonal Affective Disorder. It won't be bipolar, unless you have manic phases as well as depressed phases. If you are saying that you are behaviorally well in every way but moods, then it doesn't sound like BPD. Whatever it is, if you feel it's wrong, get a second and third opinion. If you want, you can look up the DSM-5 on the internet. It has a series of questionnaires you can take. They are a bit confusing but if you are willing to do a bit of research, you should be able to figure them out. I'm only a student, and you need to think of this as learning activity, cause, you really need to get your therapist to help diagnose you, not do it yourself, still it's an interesting self-study.

Hi Lemonjuice

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definately be seeking a second oppinion. The psych did blood tests including hormones and they all came back fine so I know its not that. I have wondered if I have Seasonal affective disorder at times as I do tend to feel more optimistic when its warm and sunny although I can feel depressed during these times too.

As for bipolar, i dont think I have bipolar 1, but thought i could have bipolar 2 but Im not sure. Ive looked at the dsm5 for bpd and there are things on it where i can relate slightly but others not at all. Ive also done some of the self assesments and they all say its not likely that I have bpd. I think when i am in a depressed state, i feel very low and look at things negatively and thats when i might feel like people dont like me or will leave me, but when im feeling good I dont have these concerns. I also feel pretty unsure of myself when im in a depressed state. I told the psych this and she said that thats what bpd is like - very up and down, but from what ive read about it, i didnt think it was so up and down？

Im feeling quite confused at the moment, as Im wondering if I do have bpd to such a degree that I have no self awareness of it, and just wondered if that is how it.is for some people？Or would people with bpd be able to relate to.the symptoms and see them in.themselves？

Thanks so much for your help. I know you cant give a diagnoses or anything but its helpful learning a bit more about it from someone with knowledge and experience 😊😊

@5tarIt sounds like you have a fair bit of insight and do the research. 2nd even 3rd opinions are often the way. Maybe the good point, not to forget, is that you have managed your earlier depression. Take Care of you and dont give up on your own sense of self.

Thank you @Appleblossom

I have done a lot of my own research, although i have no formal education in mental health etc, ive only read up about it. Thank you for your support and kind words, i do need to stay strong and get the second oppinion i think. I was feeling quite positive, but when the psych said this, it absolutely threw me and Ive been quite worried the last few days that Im just crazy.. Not that I think having bpd makes someone crazy, but the thought of me having it and having absolutely no insight scares me and makes me feel crazy / out of touch with reality.. I think im just questioning everything atm, but I will try and stay strong and optimistic and get a second oppinion 😊

Hi @outlander

Thank you for your reply. Please feel free to tag me in some posts about Bpd as Id like to learn more, but Im not sure that I can really help or advise others atm as Im so confused myself..

How are you going with your bpd？Im sure its not easy, but from what ive read, a high percentage of people recover or develop strategies to live and function well with the condition, with the right therapy.

Its interesting that you can really relate to the symptoms as I thought I would be able to as well if I definately have it. I am going to call around tomorrow to see if I can get in somewhere for another opinion.

As for the psych who diagnosed me.. Im definately interested to find out why she thinks i have bpd, but dont know if i would get very far with her. I tried to ask her more at the time, but felt like she kind of fobbed me off. I kind of felt that way a lot throughout my appointments, and didnt get a warm vibe from her, but i wondered if thats just how psychiatrists work - straight to the point.. She said i wont need any more appointments with her and gave me the name of a psychologist to see, but she wont be sending the psychologist a referral or report, so the psychologist wont know her reasons either. The thing i also found weird is she said not to see anyone else, only this particular psychologist. And if i couldnt get in, to go back and see her until i could get in, even though she doesnt treat bpd... So yeah, i could talk to.her more about it, but i just dont know if its a waste of my time and money as I feel she wasnt really willing to listen to me in depth or give me proper answers before anyway... i dont know, maybe i do have bpd and thats why i feel that way about her？Sorry i think im just a bit confused and overwhelmed atm. Thank you for your reply and support, and I really hope you are going well with your bpd 😊

@5tar no probs

ill link some threads here for you that you might find helpful with BPD

BPD

BPD Awareness Chat

DBT (a therapy thats known to help those with BPD)

BPD Foundation this site ive found quite helpful in learning more about it etc.

i was diagnosed with BPD about a yr and a half ago, i went through a few diagnoses (or was ignored saying i was fine) so it was both a shock and also a relief as well. it provided me with some answers as to what what actually happening for me.

Unfortunatly BPD is a chronic condition, as with most mh conditions so i never look to 'cure' but rather learn to cope. there is lots of things that can be looked at in the ways of coping from various therapies, to medications, lifestyle changes, natural remedies and lots more to try out. there isnt really a one size fits all though so its often a long and frustrating process of what we find helpful. as i said though theres heaps of different things to try out.

as with matching the symptoms, yes i resonated alot with them and from chatting to others who have BPD ive also learnt these symptoms are quite common.

Going off what youve written here about your psychiatrist- no not at all should she be fobbing you off. if you have questions or concerns then she really should be open to answering them. her also not refferring you to a psychologist or helping you more seems like shes not really that interested tbh (this is in no way your fault either!) and id encourage you to get another opinion and get a better support person for yourself.

Psychiatrists mostly deal with medications though so i would still also encourage you speak with a psychologist as well to chat about ways to cope and to talk about the things bothering you etc.