It took ME a long time to figure out my diagnosis. I've been to three psychiatrists and my "official" label is Major Depression. However, I know better.

I hold a Masters in Social Work and have sat on both sides of the therapists desk. Since I'm quiet and present well a lot of my symptoms are overlooked.

It seems I've always fallen through the cracks. I'm shy and don't speak up. So it's taken me a lot of research and self-reflection to "figure out" my lovely Axis I & II issues.

My hypomanic episodes are starting to verge on manic but I refuse to take a mood stabilizer due to the side effects. I'm managing on SSRI' s and anti-anxiety meds to help deal with my Axis I problems. The BPD is always there-even on my "good" days.

For the most part I'm really tired of being mentally ill and trying to figure out how to have a more stable life. But I refuse to give up. There is love and beauty in my world. Hopefully I can figure out how to appreciate it more and struggle less.