Hey dcoat,

In fact, a lot of people here are 'self-diagnosed' mainly because their Therapists refused to put the big red streak on their file labelling them as a 'Borderline'. I also suggest not to look too deeply into the label of this disorder.

From my understanding and experience with BPD ,it is a cause of repeated childhood trauma/ invalidation which has manifest into our 'personality' as a lack of coping skills mainly regarding emotions. Somewhere our developmental stages went a little haywire and it's our job now to rewire them.

Please also be very wary and conscientious in reading about this disorder, as it is extremely stigmatized. Despite a mainstream misconception, there are recovery options and they are successful.

Here is what I do, a very do-it-yourself approach:
-This book has been a godsend: http://www.amazon.com/Dialectical-Be...s=dbt+workbook I supplement learning from it by keeping a journal along with my successes and thoughts. I do exactly what it says I should be doing, whether I feel like it or not (which is mostly the latter).
-This site has been extremely helpful: www.dbtselfhelp.com
-There is a DBT skills chat on Saturdays at 1pm EST on Psych Central here (go up to the chat tab at the top to access it, start in the 'Lobby' click the door and move to the room) You can ask questions and discuss DBT.
-These forums have been a godsend: knowing I wasn't alone in this has helped tremendously, as well as advice, validation, support and getting to know one another as best we can along the way.
-I practice mindfulness meditation DAILY (mostly drawing from Buddhist resources). Here are some audio guided meditations I use: www.audiodharma.org
-There is also a free DBT class via yahoo (mara has the link up there).

Despite my own persistence in therapy (of many kinds: psychologists, pdocs, CBT, regular counsellors) I have yet to have anyone even suggest or hint that I have BPD. Many therapists can't diagnose this disorder, and even if they do they don't know proper ways of treating it (they may also refuse to treat you). The 'big red streak' on your psych eval could cause more problems down the road...So I definitely suggest finding someone who knows about BPD and specializes in it or enrolling in a DBT class on your own volition (DBT has been shown effective for more than just BPD, including anxiety, irritability, PTSD and general stress).

Keep coming back here, reading posts and responding.
Best wishes and