I've undergone intensive psychological testing, and the results are beginning to come in. We were both surprised that borderline is not among the diagnoses. I had been previously diagnosed with it, by licensed clinical social workers, who pretty much pointed to my marriage and SI history as evidence of it. I do have some of the traits, but the psychologist said the combination of things put it very low on the possibility list.

I've related very much to the You Know You're Borderline threads. Can I still post in them?

[Maranara]

Of course you can.

One thing to point out when it comes to any kind of psychological testing. Diagnoses are only as good as your honestly and the professional's observation. I'm not saying the diagnoses are accurate or not, I cannot judge anything, but if we are not totally honest and truthful through the process of being diagnosed, the results will not be accurate either. Just something to everyone to think about I guess. I self-diagnosed my BPD almost a full year before it was "official".

Well, since I do want to get to the bottom of things, I was as honest as I possibly could be. I know what you mean, though. People can be in such strong denial that they don't realize they're being dishonest, which doesn't make them liars at all, but does make them in denial. Part of the testing included feedback from my family. What my mother and brother said, what my husband said, what my testing showed, it was all actually pretty consistent, my psychologist told me. Except that my mother and brother are in denial about any abuse happening that could possibly have left me damaged. Big surprise there. (Not.)

The important issue, I think, is not what label we put on things, but how to manage it. I can very much relate to many things people with diagnosed borderline say and go through. I also understand the invalidation. I've had some so-called professionals not want to work with me because they saw that label of "borderline" and thought "manipulative, attention-seeking, and overly dramatic." As a result I've had my strong emotional reactions downplayed and dismissed as just me playing games, because "that's what borderlines do." Now having the testing rule out borderline makes me want to say to those people, "Take your stereotype and shove it."

Of course, that can apply to any psych diagnosis at all. Someone with depression can be crying because their dog got run over by a car, and right away it's, "Did you take your medicine today?" Hey, just because a person has depression doesn't mean every time they're sad, it's a symptom. People with depression can be sad for legitimate reasons. People with borderline personality can be angry and distrustful for legitimate reasons. But so many times, the only thing anybody else (including professionals) can see is the label, and they look at all behavior through that filter.

[henrydavidtherobot]

I self-diagnosed myself with "BPD tendencies" months a year before I was officially diagnosed with it. I was posting on here when I was dealing with emotional stuff. I dismissed the idea that I could have BPD after I was diagnosed with a bi polar disorder, because I thought that you couldn't have both and be able to function as well as I do. I also sometimes question my BPD diagnosis because I am high functioning and a Pdoc once said that he didn't think I have it. However, I trust the word of my long-term therapist over a Pdoc I have seen once. Also, my BPD friend used to say "I can see a little borderline in you" and I have had other Ts drop hints to me that I have it.

I find that this forum is the most helpful forum for me. Since my Bi polar illness is a "mild" (it sure doesn't feel mild lol) one, I benefit more from having people help me out with my emotional reactive and low self worth stuff. As long as I don't abuse alcohol too much, I can manage my bi polar stuff unmedicated and with little assistance from others. This forum also helps me with my anxiety more than the anxiety forums because I have been struggling long enough with anxiety that I need more thought-centered advice (if that makes sense).

It is YOUR health and you have the freedom to post where ever you feel that you will get the most benefit. We're here to help. Good luck

[henrydavidtherobot]

And I agree, **** the stereotypes. Before, I thought that all people with BPD were angry and manipulative. I have high regard for others and handle anger well. BPD can manifest itself in 200 ways, I've heard.

[Fuzzybear]

You're very welcome to post in here

I agree, **** the stereotypes

"**** the stereotypes" works for me.

[technigal]

Originally Posted by Lovebird

I've related very much to the You Know You're Borderline threads. Can I still post in them?

Of course you can still post here. You identify with some of the BPD traits and if you get support here then go on posting.

[Elektra_]

well this T i have says im no bpd either.. but i do have some traits. u can post wherever u want hun.

[Maranara]

Originally Posted by Lovebird

Well, since I do want to get to the bottom of things, I was as honest as I possibly could be. I know what you mean, though. People can be in such strong denial that they don't realize they're being dishonest, which doesn't make them liars at all, but does make them in denial. Part of the testing included feedback from my family. What my mother and brother said, what my husband said, what my testing showed, it was all actually pretty consistent, my psychologist told me. Except that my mother and brother are in denial about any abuse happening that could possibly have left me damaged. Big surprise there. (Not.)

I'm glad you got support and feedback from your family. That's something I won't ever get. My immediate family always told me I was okay and it was all my imagination and my husband tells me that I'm playing games when I'm having major issues and refuses to read material on BPD when it's placed right in front of him. All I can work with is me...can't trust anyone else in my family to do anything. It used to bother me greatly, but I frankly don't care anymore. Screw 'em.