I have a problem where I hate it when people can't be the way I want them to behave or act around me. I have borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder and therefore can have severe mood swings. When I can't find polite, uplifting, trustworthy people which is almost 100% of the time if not 100% of the time, I isolate myself, beat myself up emotionally, and lock myself up in my own world. I do many things on my own, but I know that I am only hiding from the real emotional part of me who wants to love another human being and be loved in return. Help!

I have the same situation that you do. I have found Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been really helpful (plus the meds). DBT was designed for borderline but is now being expanded for people w/bipolar. Very useful.

Take care. Don't give up hope & keep educating yourslef.

[madisgram]

hi jj, i used to be much the same way until in therapy i discovered i can't control others or how they behave/act. i have high expectations of myself and was imposing the same on other ppl. now that i realize that i have to adapt somewhat to the world i live in, i find it is easier to live and let live or simply put, let it roll off my back. it has helped me a lot to practice this principle. i find i don't get angry as much, depressed,etc.
as for isolating and beating yourself up, i can relate to that too. try to be kinder to yourself. we, none of us, are perfect. we make mistakes along the way. the important thing is that we are develping more self awareness and can learn from ourselves.
hope this helps.

[Amazonmom]

When you spend so much time just managing yourself, even the smallest stressor from outside can send you reeling. At least that is true for me.

I didn't think therapy would help, but it is helping. It would probably help you too, but I don't want to push you into anything.

Here are some hugs if you want them!

What meds are you on to treat BPD? I am seeing a therapist but he is not a specialist in DBT. However, he knows about this therapy in a general sense. He also gave me two books to read about BPD. I learned a lot about it. He does specialize in mood disorders and personality disorders.

Originally Posted by Suzy5654

I have the same situation that you do. I have found Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been really helpful (plus the meds). DBT was designed for borderline but is now being expanded for people w/bipolar. Very useful.

Take care. Don't give up hope & keep educating yourslef.

[JourneyUpward]

Hi JerseyJoe,

I read your post and your question about bipolar medications.

I'm taking Lithium, Lamictal and Seroquel. Sleep is also important to getting and staying in a stable state. I have a difficult time sleeping whether depressed, "normal" or hypomanic so Pdoc gave me Lunesta for sleep when I need it (which is more often than I'd like ). That's why I'm up at 2:14 AM--I didn't take my Lunesta

Hey, you are reaching out here and making friends and acquaintences--that is a HUGE start. There was a time I wouldn't think of opening up to anyone at all.

See you around the forums --
JourneyUpward