Depression or symptoms of BPD?
I was first diagnosed by my family physician with chronic depression. When I finally managed to get to see a psychiatrist, my diagnoses were extended to BPD, as well as chronic depression, anxiety etc..
A few months later I saw another psychiatrist specialized in BPD and I basically told that the depression I'm feeling is part of BPD, so the only solution was DBT which I'm currently doing.. I was also told that it's not depression because I was not responsive to antidepressants.
I get really discouraged, because the only therapy that's supposed to guide me in the right direction is ending in a month and I will be with no therapy, no medication, left on my own again because supposedly I don't have depression, even if I feel like it.
If anyone can relate let me know please.
Thank you in advance (:
I also have BPD, along with depression and anxiety. I have a book called "The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide" which has answered a lot of my questions that I had previously about the disorder! I highly recommend it!
Here is a tidbit from the book that might interest you:
" Depression is probably one of the most common disorders found among people with BPD. In fact, studies have found that 41 to 87 percent of people with BPD also struggle with depression.
In order to understand why depression is so common among people with BPD, let's review the symptoms of BPD. People with BPD often have difficult relationships, which may be characterized by arguments, breakups, and even abuse. In addition, many people with BPD have intense fears that they will be abandoned. People with BPD experience negative emotions frequently and intensely and may feel as though there is nothing they can do to cope with these emotions. They may not have much of a sense of who they are, and they may worry that others are talking about them behind their backs or are not supportive of them. Finally, treatment for BPD may be a difficult and painful process.
When you look at all these symptoms together, you can probably see why someone with BPD could start to feel depressed. Indeed, if you have BPD, the symptoms you experience may be so intense and long-standing that you might feel that there is nothing that can help you. You might also begin to believe that there is no point in continuing to waste time or energy on trying to get better. In addition, as a result of stormy relationships and constant fighting with the people around you, you might start to feel really isolated and lonely. Basically, the problems that go along with BPD are often the exact ingredients that can lead to depression.
If depression is indeed a side effect of having BPD, you might expect your depression to lessen once you recover from BPD, and you would be right. In fact, Dr. Gunderson and his colleagues (2004) found that decreases in BPD symptoms over time are followed by reductions in depression (rather than vice versa). This study supports the idea that depression stems from the painful symptoms of BPD. It also shows that if your BPD symptoms get better, your depression might get better also."
@LaughingTragic13
Wow, thanking for your reply, I feel like it answers my question. I might pick up that book! Thank you
This has really helped me to understand this disorder more. My mum has BPD, and at times I find her in the kitchen, drinking a bottle of wine at 1am, in tears. Normally it is bc she's had an argument with her husband. He's not good at understanding her BPD, I think he just finds it difficult bc obviously it's hurting him when he sees my mum upset. Anyways, I soon find myself crying with mum, bc my whole life, I've seen my mum as strong and tbh, I look up to her. She's the strongest person I know. I love her loads. It hurts knowing she hurts. I'm so happy she's taking antidepressants nowadays. It really helps
My mum has BPD, and it's frightening. Reading about the symptoms, I'm on the verge of tears simply bc of how much emotional pain my mum was in (she takes antidepressants now, she stopped taking them for a year, which was really strong of her, I'm amazed she managed it.)
I'm worried about BPD running in the family. Is it genetic? I mean, I've been experiencing pretty much all of the symptoms of depression, and I'm trying to recover from my 5 months of self harm. I don't want to have depression or BPD (I haven't self diagnosed myself, I just feel something is up). And the other day I had a panic attack. Probably just anxiety. Can someone let me know if BPD is genetic?:(
@Faybee
It seems like you are going through a lot, seeing your mom dealing with BPD and yourself going through difficulties as well.. From what I read BPD has genetic and environmental components but I wouldn't think it's hereditary. It would be good if you were assessed for BPD. Depression and self-harm are often associated with the disorder.