[ruby.lestrange]

Hello, I posted originally months ago to say hi, but haven't posted since, life got pretty wild.

But I could definitely use some advice, if anyone has it.

I am holding in my hand several fancy letters from each of the main psychiatric care locations in the country I'm living in (I'm an expat - moved over seas 2.5 years ago) that say I'm a borderline - no surprise there, since I've been diagnosed the exact same way for years, but couldn't afford (or find) much in the way of treatment when I lived in the States. However, each says that they are unable to help me because I don't speak the native language well enough for their doctors...and they don't have doctors who speak English.

I am beyond frustrated. I spent so many years coping in my own (usually destructive) ways just to get through. I've finally moved somewhere where I have the time (loads of it) and insurance to get help, and it's a wash!

Has anyone else ever tried to get help in another country? Were there any resources for you out there? I keep getting told to "find my own therapist", but the first one just over-medicated and under-treated me, and the others I've spoken with won't deal with low-functioning borderlines (am I one? Eh. Depends on the day, weather, state of my laundry pile, alignment of the stars...I'm sure you know how *that* goes).

Additionally, each time I deal with a new psychiatric center, I get my hopes up, and I'm not really able to handle any more of the word "no", so I'm getting reluctant to keep seeking treatment that I'm afraid won't happen.

Any tips?

You can work on DBT on your own until you can work something out somewhere. Go to www.dbtselfhelp.com and Yahoo has a free class at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/dbtclass/. I know that isn't exactly what you are looking for, but maybe it can help a little for the time being.
Also...this may be a long shot...I don't know. There's this BPD guy from the Netherlands on YouTube who has made a number of videos about his particular condition in an effort to help others. Maybe you can contact him and get some specific info for that country. http://www.youtube.com/user/MeAndMyB...?feature=watch

[ruby.lestrange]

Those are really helpful ideas! Thank you, Maranara!

[powertools321]

Originally Posted by ruby.lestrange

Those are really helpful ideas! Thank you, Maranara!

Yeah, Maranara is good folks. If you go to another T or Dr., make sure they specialize in BPD/DBT. If you can find a nearby DBT program they can probably set you up with some people that will be helpful. Having the right people makes all the difference in the world, and having the wrong people is definitely very frustrating and can even be counterproductive. Best of luck.

[ruby.lestrange]

Thank you, powertools!

Unfortunately, the DBT center here is mostly geared toward substance abusers, and doesn't seem to have anything for BPD in English. I have some DBT workbooks, so I am trying to do it on my own a bit while I search for another T/Dr. Most of the English-speaking ones here deal with expats who are having trouble "integrating" and aren't willing to work with borderlines, but that doesn't mean no one will, I just haven't found the right person yet

[powertools321]

Originally Posted by ruby.lestrange

Thank you, powertools!

Unfortunately, the DBT center here is mostly geared toward substance abusers, and doesn't seem to have anything for BPD in English. I have some DBT workbooks, so I am trying to do it on my own a bit while I search for another T/Dr. Most of the English-speaking ones here deal with expats who are having trouble "integrating" and aren't willing to work with borderlines, but that doesn't mean no one will, I just haven't found the right person yet

Good luck on your quest!