[isntlifewonderful]

So, I know I have BPD. I have 7-8 of the traits and they're REALLY bad... I've just never been taken seriously as I'm 17 and underage.
I've been trying to explain how it'd feel like a relief to be diagnosed... like I wasn't alone, that my issues somehow made sence. Everyone I know who have BPD are wonderful people and I've always hated myself. Mostly because of issues related to my BPD-symptoms (of course, being bullied and abused as a child and used for money and sex by the first person I ever let close me is the cause of them but still) and things I did as a child. Maybe, just maybe I'd feel like a better person when diagnosed. I've always felt like I would. I talked to my therapist (compassionate, intelligent man) about this a few days and he said I clearly do fit most of the traits and that if it'd make me feel better he'd set me up with the psychiatrist to be investigated and diagnosed (I live at an institution because of my issues btw, thought it was worth to mention)... he was the FIRST one to take me seriously and that made me feel better though I was having an awful day. But what if me being diagnosed WONT help or be a relief? The thought of that scares the hell out of me... I want to feel safe but I never do. I feel safe talking to you all but I've always felt like a phony because I self-diagnosed and my PD isn't official. Please don't hate me for doing that... you all are the only ones I can seem to relate to this much and the only ones who seem to get what I go through every day.

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[Mustkeepjob32]

It sounds like your therapist is good at what he does. Being diagnosed gave me help in that validated all my behaviors. I no longer felt alone. I'm still very "ill" but at least I can put a finger to what it is.

[Kimaya]

I am not surprised BPD self diagnose with the problems of 'diagnosing'. I have diagnosed my Dad as BPD, and he has selfied it... but he would never go to therapy.

It is the highest underdiagnosed mental health condition. That is why there is such a big rift in the mental health community now - even APA is divided on how BPD and other personality disorders should be diagnosed, because they are aware they are going underdiagnosed.

I know how you feel, but try not to let the test invalidate you whatever the results. It was a relief for me, I was almost elated. I knew I was BPD before my psychiatrist did. I felt there were significant issues with the current level of understanding for the diagnostic criteria to BPD in DSM-4. When I tried to halfheartedly convince her she would shake her head very sure... when I took the test and was diagnosed by a specialist I think it shook my psychiatrist out of her chair, and me too as I had sort of dismissed my selfie by then. We now have a major problem as I see it LOL. I am very interested to see how the diagnostic methods develops this next decade.