[GreenArrow]

How many people are familiar with it? I wasn't until a few years ago when a famous football player began to raise awareness for it because he found out he had it.

I always felt like there was something more to my depression, because there was just too much instability going on with me, both in terms of thoughts, emotions, and actions. I'm a Psychology major and I am in no position to diagnose myself, but after doing my own research on it for a few years (before I even switched my major to Psychology), it really sounds like things that I experience and have issues with. Should I see someone and flat out say I think I have BPD?

I've seen two professionals over the last 6 years, but I was never 100% honest with them. I would talk about some things but not everything, because I've always had a hard time really opening up to somebody. It's hypocritical, because I always tell my friends it's important to be open and as someone who wants to run my own psychology practice one day, I know it's hypocritical. But I've always had this feeling that I could either just help myself or if I focus on helping others, it would distract me from what I know I need to do. It's one reason why I've always put others before myself, to hide from the truth.

Thanks.

[Guiness187055]

In order for you to get a correct diagnosis you have to be completely honest with your doctor.

I have borderline personality disorder. I was diagnosed in hospital. You have to be very honest to get a correct diagnosis. I am always truthful with psychiatrists even when I don't want to be.

[~Christina]

You dont want the diagnosis of BPD unless you truly have it..

Your Pdoc need to hear 100 % of your symptoms.

Welcome to PC

[GreenArrow]

Yes I know I have five 100% honest. The last time I spoke to a professional was about a year ago and before that was back in 2012. When I find someone else, I will be 100% open and not keep other things bothering me to myself.

It’s not that I’m necessarily wanting there to be something else, but a lot of what I read just feels very familiar to me. I feel like it would also give me some answers as to why I feel the way I feel. Thanks for everybody’s responses. <3

I had never even heard of BPD when I was diagnosed. I called my husband from the hospital and he did some research. The next time I talked to my husband he said OMG, this is you! Sometimes it can be very apparent so it doesn't hurt to get checked out if you feel the criteria apply.

[AquaGuy]

Wow. This isn't an exaggeration, you sound exactly like me. I have studied psychology at A-Level, struggle to be open with anyone (regardless of relationship) but always tell the people closest to me being open is extremely important.

Something that happens a lot with people studying things like medical science and psychology, they develop something called "medical student syndrome", basically where, because they have to learn a lot of about the signs and symptoms of certain conditions, they begin to notice signs in themselves they wouldn't have noticed before when there they really have nothing wrong with them at all.

Not to say that is you, but I do the same thing and have done most of my life. I think I have things when I don't (or think I have something else instead of what I really have), so the best thing is to get a professional diagnosis. Being hypocritical again (LOL), I struggle a lot with mental health and refuse to go and see a professional (if I have anything I'm high functioning enough to struggle though life).
We should take out own advice, haha.

Peace.

[GreenArrow]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

I had never even heard of BPD when I was diagnosed. I called my husband from the hospital and he did some research. The next time I talked to my husband he said OMG, this is you! Sometimes it can be very apparent so it doesn't hurt to get checked out if you feel the criteria apply.

Yeah that’s why I want to go talk to someone about it. I’m trying to remain objective and not, I can’t think of the word right now, but basically force how I feel to fit the symptoms of it. At the same though it does seems like it fits. But as i said in my first post, i can’t make that diagnoses, only a professional can.

[GreenArrow]

Originally Posted by AquaGuy

Wow. This isn't an exaggeration, you sound exactly like me. I have studied psychology at A-Level, struggle to be open with anyone (regardless of relationship) but always tell the people closest to me being open is extremely important.


Something that happens a lot with people studying things like medical science and psychology, they develop something called "medical student syndrome", basically where, because they have to learn a lot of about the signs and symptoms of certain conditions, they begin to notice signs in themselves they wouldn't have noticed before when there they really have nothing wrong with them at all.


Not to say that is you, but I do the same thing and have done most of my life. I think I have things when I don't (or think I have something else instead of what I really have), so the best thing is to get a professional diagnosis. Being hypocritical again (LOL), I struggle a lot with mental health and refuse to go and see a professional (if I have anything I'm high functioning enough to struggle though life).

We should take out own advice, haha.


Peace.

Yeah i agree that the medical student syndrome can happen, and I did learn about BPD and start to question about it before I became a psychology major but like I just said (you were posting at the same time as me, lol) I’m trying to remain objective about it. But yes it’s important to take our own advice, but always easier said then done!

[jmariah001]

My husband was diagnosed with it back in 1997. It has been a struggle. I didn't actually meet him until 2002. We married in 2003. It has had a lot of ups and downs. Thank god no hospital stays. Well one before we met. He just takes his meds and sees his therapist to stay stable. He is doing pretty good right now. I told him to join the site but he hasn't yet. If you think you have it just talk to a professional. They can tell you for sure.

[Carmina]

I don't want to have 'BPD', at least not as a 'diagnosis'. I do think a lot of the traits fit me (won't say 'symptoms' and I'm really not comfortable with the 'disorder' part in the first place) but so do BD and CPTSD, which tbh all tend to merge traitwise anyway. On the whole I think CPTSD is the best fit for me and personally I tend to question how much CPTSD and childhood trauma generally underlies what is going on for a lot of people seen as BPD anyway. Part of my reluctance to engage with the whole idea of 'diagnosis' stems from my doubts about the medicalisation of something that I feel is more a set of survival strategies in response to extreme prolonged trauma and consequent disordered attachments and affect dysregulation.

[Unrigged64072835]

I have BPD, and had it for several years. I wasn't told about it until 2013.

It carries a lot of stigma, even in the medical community. People are seen as attention-seeking and manipulative, and hard to treat.

You have to be honest with therapists. You come to them to help you, but they can't if you don't tell them everything.

[mav99]

I have been diagnosed with BPD for over a year or two now.. There are certain criteria I think 9 different types.. If you feel the majority relate to you then you probably do have it. Of course you should seek a formal diagnosis. Being diagnosed is bittersweet. It's a relief in just like..finding out what you have. But it is absolutely devastating to find out what you have. The stigma is huge. Most people don't know much about it but when they find out, it's not really always something to feel sympathetic towards. I know I'm attention seeking and manipulative... But it's because I'm in so much pain. How can anyone tolerate the negativity? I know I wouldn't want to be involved with someone like me. It's relentless and the feelings always come back. No matter how many steps forward I go, I'm taking more back. The low moments drop as low as ever, it's almost like it hurts MORE because I'm falling so far. I take antidepressants - Wellbutrin and Citolopram. I also take Ativan and I'm a stoner. All of these get me through the days.....