[atheosnick]

Hello Everyone,

Lets cut to the chase. I have shown bi-polar symptoms since the age of 5, (I am now 20) I always refused to get help until last week when I had went on a rampage in front of my new girlfriend (been dating only a month) and I know relationships arent a good idea for me at this point, but she is interested in helping me and is supportive.

I am just a bit confused with myself, I am going to my first therapy session next wednesday, and I was asked to bring a long and be ready to open up about some of the symptoms I experience. upon doing this I had found that most of the symptoms I struggle with now, and have been for a long time are more so those of Borderline personality disorder.

I am not self diagnosing, but the symptoms are irrefutable.

Any input or advice for me before my first therapy session?

[Clinte89]

Biggest bit of advice dont diagnose yourself! lol obvious one. Also be totally willing to open up about everything youve experienced. Dont hold back so they can dx you properly.

well, welcome!

good to have you along

[bunnifoo]

I wouldn't diagnose yourself, but if your therapist is good then you should be able to say to your therapist. "When I was getting ready for this appointment I was doing research about my symptoms and found that a lot of them are the symptoms for borderline personality disorder and I find it confusing. Can you help me understand this information?"

Or something like that. And your therapist should be able to give you a reason why you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There's always a chance your initial diagnosis was wrong or made with incomplete information.

[avlady]

I've been on every med possible -I'm 52 now and it took 30 years to get stabelized, i'm on clonazapam along with 8 other meds, i hope you can find the right one for you, take your docs advice that is one thing i learned over the years as i used to fight to take my meds, which i now know was a mistake, i could have been helped earlier had i just taken my meds. I ended up in and out of the hospital whenever I stopped my meds.Good luck ad have a good night

[manicminer]

Have everything written down. All the symptoms, all your concerns, all the background info, anything that will help the doc evaluate you.

Its so easy to forget important bits of info when you start getting deep into a session. You might forget to mention something that could be a key for the doc to properly diagnose you.

Take notes during the session so you can keep track of the docs suggestions. Its also helpful to keep a daily journal so you can track your own progress.

Best wishes and good luck

[atheosnick]

Thanks everyone for the advice and opinions on how wednesday should go. I was thinking about writing down some ideas for the therapist to look at and also to discuss so I think I am going to do that.

Thanks for the warm welcomes and the kind words.