Recent BPD Diagnosis
I had a therapist mention to me back in December that she believed I portrayed traits of BPD. But I wasn't officially diagnosed until the end of February when I was finally able to get in to see my old (but first time seeing them in over a year) psychiatrist. I had never even heard of that disorder until December but I didn't want to research it then and self-diagnosis myself. But since being officially diagnosed, I have done research on it and it explains so much about me. I want to start learning how to heal these symptoms (some being worse than others) and I thought finally figuring out the problem was going to make it easier for myself/others to support this healing journey. However, since getting this diagnosis (as well as since I am immensely struggling with depression), it seems that everyone in my life who has claimed they cared about me in the past (though not in recent times) has turned their backs on me or distanced themselves from me. They not only don't understand BPD but they refuse to learn about it. They seem to want to ignore it in hopes that it'll just go away. I feel so isolated and alone. I don't know who to turn to in order to get support. I am becoming more and more discouraged which makes me not want to keep fighting. Has anyone else experienced this in the beginning? Does anyone have advice as to how to overcome these issues? Does anyone have recommendations for support?
Hi, welcome to 7 Cups. 💜 I'm sorry to hear that people have responded that way. 😢 It's pretty common in mental health circles that everyone's encouraged to "seek support" or "talk to a friend or family member or loved one". It sounds like you basically did what everyone says you're supposed to do and communicated with people about what's happening... and the response has been some combination of people not caring, not understanding, or not being willing to try to understand. Really discouraging, like you said.
In terms of support on 7 Cups, probably your best option over the long-term would be to try to find one or more listeners who you trust and establish a connection with them. If you find the right person, that could possibly help in terms of what you mentioned of feeling isolated, alone, and ignored. (I'm not calling myself trustworthy, but I'll also offer myself if you're looking for someone to message back and forth with. 😊)
This link lists listeners who accept chats on BPD and who have listed in their listener profile that they have personal lived experience with BPD.
https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/?badge=0&find=&sort=&category=44&ageGroup=&listType=listener&gender=&religion=&country=&language=&verifiedlistener=on&livedExperience=on
There are also some self-help resources linked in this thread that may or may not be helpful.
https://www.7cups.com/forum/personalitydisorders/BorderlinePersonalityDisorder_326/ResourcesforBPD_268269/
I know what you're going through. I was diagnosed in April and have had no professional support. I'm left navigating life with this new information alone. I feel so lost. My life has been so messy these last few months.
I have no advice but just want you to know you're not alone!
@Aliceinveganland I completely understand what you're saying. I constantly feel like that especially since BPD is such a complex disorder that most doctors won't even go near. I've found some great resources online. There's a lot of people who have BPD that don't mind giving advice on what has/hasn't worked for them. You might want to look into different online resources. I found it very helpful myself. If there's anything I can do to help you/guide you/advise you, then please let me know!