[celtic.starlite]

I've just recently been diagnosed with BPD, and I tried to tell my mom, but she wasn't happy that I have yet another diagnosis.

How do you explain BPD to someone who doesn't understand? I know I can show her websites that explain BPD but how do I explain what is going on with me, inside of me, that might help my family to better understand?

Thank you,

Celtic

[moodycow]

hello celticstarlite I was diagnosed with bpd about four months ago and struggled explaining it to people too, i cant really think of an easy way an tbh even if you explain it perfectly some people will still have no idea what its like to live with it.this is of course difficult all round so instead i suggest keep explaination to a minimum and try to concentrate on how she can help you to cope and any things that either of you can do to help the situation . getting the diagnosis may make some sense of things that didnt make any sense before, once you understand these things more you are also better equipped to explain it to others. As for not being happy about another diagnosis neither was i initially but we did not ask for it !!! and if it helps us to move forward who cares about numbers ! good luck , pm me if you wish

[Confused115]

Originally Posted by celtic.starlite

I've just recently been diagnosed with BPD, and I tried to tell my mom, but she wasn't happy that I have yet another diagnosis.

How do you explain BPD to someone who doesn't understand? I know I can show her websites that explain BPD but how do I explain what is going on with me, inside of me, that might help my family to better understand?

Thank you,

Celtic

Hey Celtic...I'm speaking completely from my own experience, I would recommend not explaining it to people, or even letting them know that you've been diagnosed BPD. (Again, speaking from my own experience) people either don't understand at all (i.e. they think you do the things you do on purpose), or they completely start believing in all the stereotypes surrounding BPD. So a person ends up feeling worthless or misunderstood.

I was diagnosed BPD 4 years ago, and my family still doesn't get it. I've come to terms with that (sort of), the only thing I wish now is that they had never been informed of the BPD label.

Hope it turns out different for you, but yeah that's what my experience has been.

Good luck.

[Living Dead Guy]

Have her read Stop walking on eggshells. Its is a book for people who live with others who suffer from BPD. There is also a support website for those who are in relationships with those who suffer BPD but I would steer her clear from that until she knows more about the disorder. It can be a very bitter place. Although reading through their stories has helped me see what my own wife has gone though the last 10 years.

[celtic.starlite]

Thank you for the replies.

To my surprise, my mom actually did some research on BPD. She said it did sound like me. I don't know how I should take that..... is that her accepting it or is that her being mean? I don't know.
I've heard of the book Walking on Eggshells as well as I Hate You Don't Leave Me. I'm going to talk with my T when I see her next and discuss this.
Thanks again.