Bpd???
Hello everyone, I have a little problem that I trust you can help me with.
I understand that the vast majority of people diagnosed with BPD in this app have an actual diagnosis, and I would love to know what they had to go through and how they managed to get a psychiatrist to give them that diagnosis.
I've been thinking for a while that I might also have it, or that my symptoms are way too similar, but this past week... it's not that it's been hard and I've just had a rough time—it's that BPD is the only explanation I can find for it.
And I don't know what to do. I don't know how to start or how to get a psychiatrist to look at me and tell me what’s going on. So besides asking this for advice, I’m also doing it to see what situations others have experienced and what options exist.
I took a *** online test with 59 traits of this disorder and promised myself that if I scored more than 35, I would try to seek help. I got a 44.
And I mean, as strange as it may sound, a person with no mental issues wouldn't get more than 5. There must be something wrong with me, that's for sure
@convivialCoconut6517
I hope that others who have been the process, might be able to support you.
It's brave of you to reach out 💙🤗
@convivialCoconut6517
Hello 💜 Sorry that things have been difficult, and it makes sense that you'd feel like BPD is a good fit if the descriptions match a lot of your experiences.
I haven't been through that process myself, but can share some things just based on secondhand knowledge. If you reach out to a mental health professional, their main focus will be trying to understand what your experiences are and figuring out what the best way is to work through that, which may or may not involve a diagnosis. (The main goal of a diagnosis is to provide more targeted support based on what is likely to help/work.) If you're unsure what to share, could maybe make a list beforehand or share some of the things on the online test that you said "yes" to.
Will share some resources for BPD. I'd say about half of the people who post in this forum do not have diagnoses but are self-diagnosed or suspect it. The thing I usually tell people is whether you "have" BPD or not, if you're anywhere on that spectrum, self-help tips/tools designed for people with BPD will probably help:
https://www.7cups.com/forum/personalitydisorders/BorderlinePersonalityDisorder_326/ResourcesforBPD_268269/
@convivialCoconut6517 It's not that something is "wrong" with you. You're just a human and you have emotions. Humans are complex creatures.
But look, I'll be vulnerable and transparent here with you. I am both diagnosed with BPD and Bipolar 2 among other things. BPD was my first official diagnosis in my mid 20s and it has been a struggle and a whole rollercoaster. Doctors couldn't ever agree because I was complicated but even when I would lie and pretend to be "normal" or my regular, it was like people just knew. I had it all and possessed it all. I was just a hurt person from childhood on up and struggling and pain. They don't teach how pain and dysfunction contributes to this.
If your life is being affected in not so good ways, going through it emotionally, having dysphoric episodes, etc... all I can say is talk to someone who knows about it. Please please don't self diagnose because it's easy to go down the rabbit and say "I have this.", "I have that.", "Ohhh, that sounds just like me...", etc. Don't do this to yourself. Be aware of what's going on with self and just seek help. Talk to your doctor and get a referral to talk. Do what you need to for understanding and peace of mind.
If you do, in fact, have BPD... don't fret. You can still function and live life. It's something I've always embraced and own. I will always refer to my BPD as mine, because I own it. I embrace me and all parts... even my "crazy". I'm just Desiree though at the end of the day. ❤️
I wish you all the best. I hope you go through the appropriate channels in order to find understanding in your life. Please take care of yourself, be kind to yourself and others, and hang in there. There's hope and healing for you. I decree it. ❤️ Take care!
@convivialCoconut6517
im sorry you had to undergo the stress, and I also heavily agree with @QuietMagic
