I've introduced myself in the main section, but I haven't really introduced myself here in the BPD section, where I'll probably spend most of my time.

I have been seeing psychiatrists and psychologists since I was 8. The main problem: anger, rage, aggression. I was diagnosed and misdiagnosed with everything from tourettes syndrome to ADHD to GAD and beyond. I was put on ritalin as a child which, being bipolar as well, made my moods even worse.

My father physically, verbally and emotionally abused me from days after I was born until my early twenties. My mother is a narcissist whose criticism, of everything, from the way I chewed, walked and sat, to how I turned the pages of a magazine, cut through me and destroyed my self-esteem. She was also unable to console me during my father's abuse. Which is why I crave physical affection and intimacy so much.

About 4 years ago after realising I needed to get back into therapy, for my own betterment and to be a better person to the people in my life, I started therapy again. I had done a lot of research and, the first thing I said when I walked into my T's offices was "I believe I have borderline personality disorder". She played it down and told me that's unlikely.

Fast forward 4 years and she finally, officially handed me the BPD diagnosis. That was in August last year. Since then I've been doing the DBT coursework with her. Once every two weeks. I've already made some progress with talk therapy alone, and I'm a quick, eager learner. So this non-intensive way of doing DBT is going to work - I believe it in my soul. I am medicated and have my anger almost completely under control. My main concerns now are my criticism of people I love and jealous insecurity.

Anyway, at the moment I'm going through a break up. I'm 31 years old, and thought I'd found "the one". I was open and honest with her about my condition. At first she was supportive and understanding. She did the research, read the books, and promised me the world. But slowly, my BPD reared its ugly head and I pushed her beyond her boundaries, and she left me.

And that's why I'm here. I need all the support, empathy and compassion I can get. I am literally experiencing a BPD's worst nightmare: Abandonment. Before I met her, I was in one of my lowest slumps in years. She was the sole reason I pulled though, and now she's left me. I am terrified. And in constant, unrelenting emotional pain. At times I am barely coping. But most of the time I am completely overwhelmed by the pain of this loss.

So, for the time being, my focus will probably be about the loss of this relationship and the trauma it's causing me. But I am not always this down. I am quite resilient, positive and helpful. I came here to find support, and once I'm better, I will stay to support others. And offer help where I can.

I started a small BPD subgroup on the SAS (Social Anxiety Support) forums, but it was mostly inactive, so I was referred here. I'm quite knowledgable on most mental health issues, BPD especially. I have overcome a lot in my life, but, like most of you, I still struggle at times.

I'm really looking forward to getting to know you all. I've already been received with open arms and kind words, for which I am hugely grateful. I am going to rely quite heavily on you guys through this dark patch, but I look forward to one day repaying the favour.

That's me. What's your story?