[saidee]

When I was diagnosed with bi polar 5 years ago I always asked if that meant I was crazy? I got no sufficient answer. Now that I have been diagnosed with BPD I was wondering if I was in the crazy category or not. I know that I am mentally ill, but does that mean I am crazy? People have always called me crazy or I have called me crazy, but an actual person who knows the answer has never given me one. I was just wondering? I still do not understand what BPD fully is and my new therapist does not want to label me with BPD, ands she asked me not to read the books on it. She just wants me to focus on my DBT books. So I have not read the BPD books. I am going to give her the benefit that she knows best. Until she proves not to I will listen to her....I just started with her last week, so I have not asked her the crazy question yet. She might give me a direct answer on whether BPD is considered crazy, but I think that she will not say that I am crazy, not yet anyway. Well I have babbled enough. Night to anyone who stumbles upon this.....Saidee

[ECHOES]

No, you aren't crazy. I don't even know what crazy means...

Being diagnosed with BPD is about how we ineteract with others and ourselves, what causes the intense feelings, what to do about them, how to not act on them, etc.

It isn't something one has but rather a way one is.

Good luck with your DBT! It sounds like you have a wonderful therapist!

[Perna]

I don't think you're crazy; crazy is when we totally lose touch with reality and doesn't sound like you're doing much of that?

It does sound like you have a good, new therapist. I like that she isn't concentrating on your diagnosis but on you.

[Flooded]

I'm a little crazy, but that isn't just because I have a BPD.

[*Defeated*]

I don't think that any of us are crazy, but keep in mind that this is coming from a crazy person. (Ha - jokes).

On a serious note, there is an obvious stereotype that people suffering from mental illness, especially when there are behaviors that stray from the norm, are "crazy." (example, a psychotic episode). I don't think it's fair to call someone crazy who has no control over such a situation. I doubt very seriously that any schizophrenic chooses to hallucinate and become paranoid. And I know for d*mn sure that I don't choose to feel empty or ride the chaotic relationship roller coaster of BPD. I think "crazy" should be viewed more so like, "OMG, did you see that guy bungee jump? That dude is CRAZY!" (Hope that makes sense).

Yes, people may view you as "crazy," "off your rocker," or "a couple sandwiches short of a picnic," when your behaviors are recognized as deviating from the norm. Just keep in mind that you had/have no control over the development of your condition. Your brain, neurons, synapses, childhood, development, environment, etc. took care of that for you. (Unfortunately)

You are not crazy; you just live life a little differently than most people but have been given the gift of experiencing the difficulty of mental illness. By this I mean that I imagine your condition has given you a great deal of understanding, empathy and compassion for others suffering from mental illness. I know it has for me. Just keep in mind that everyone's view of reality varies, and that's ok.

[saidee]

Thank you everyone for your replies, I love being reasurred about things. My mother told my brother a month ago that I was crazy and probably the craziest person she knew.... It is not the first time she has said it, she has no problem calling me an f-ing loon. When I was 15 she was diagnosed with MPD now DID, but now she does not have it, because her and my dad said that all Drs at the time just diagnosed that. I don't think she had it either, I believe she has a personality disorder, but that changes all the time too. It is just easier for her to tell me I am crazy than to deal with the fact that maybe I got some of my quirks from her... Thank you guys again....