First, I want you to know that I DO understand what you're saying. I, too, have issues with the whole "labeling" part of our illnesses because so many times, it lacks the truth of what who and what we are as "human beings". Personally, BPD is so, like, evil sounding or something. I'm recently dx as having BPD. On the one hand, I'm so grateful to finally have a full and complete dx between BP and BPD. At least now I can get the most effective tx possible...the missing link has been bound together and I feel a whole lot less "incomplete" or impossible to be treated for the BP.
However, personally, this is not a part of my dx that I share with others because it causes the need for too much of an explanation to those who are foreign to these types of things.
Besides, I no longer "label" myself any of my dx. Because of the incredible team of doctors and therapists that I work with...I'm able to be much more aware of who, what, where and how I am. No one need know the cocktail of meds I must take morning, noon and night. But I take them gladly, knowing that I'm a positive and productive member of this society. No less than anyone else.
We have to stop being so hung up on what others think when it's what we think of ourselves that matters at all.
I remind myself of that each and every day of my life.
TgrsPurr, xo.