[lovedaisy]

Hey,
I know I'm new to the site and this is my first post, so you probably wont respond. But I'm in need of some serious advice. I've had anxiety my entire life and I've been depressed for most of my life as well (story of everyone's life on here, I know). Im 18 years old. My mom tricked me into making an appointment with a therapist, when it was suppose to be with an actual doctor. I know I have BPD. I know. And if you have it, when you read the symptoms and the symptoms described you exactly, you know what I mean by I know I have it. I have every single symptom, the disorder basically describes me, but as you may know it is not that easy to explain to a doctor. Especially a regular check up doctor or a therapist. I've been on and off about mentioning it. I don't even know what sort of doctor I need to see or what to do and I'm in serious need of guidance. I scare myself, I get so angry at myself and I do impulsive things (one of the many symptoms I have) and I can't explain to my family what is going on because they don't even know I'm depressed, let alone doing impulsive and harmful things. I keep telling my mom the importance of her making me an appointment so I can talk to someone, but without being able to tell her what is really going on, she doesn't understand. I apologize for ranting, I just need to know, if I got\ out on a limb and make my own appointment, what kind of doctor I need to see to even get a proper test or diagnosis or whatever? And if there is any advice that could make it easier for me to bring up to a doctor, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I'd say you'd probably want to start with a therapist that specializes in anxiety, depression, and or BPD. You could ask your regular doctor for a referral...you don't have to disclose everything, just say that you need some help with anxiety or depression, or whatever.

A therapist might eventually refer you to a psychiatrist, but a good therapist would be the place to start.

[franki_j]

First of all, you say she made an appt with a therapist not a "real" doctor. I don't know what type of degree the person your mom made an appt with has, but if you don't feel comfortable seeing someone with an MA degree (as I didn't) then you can make an appointment with a psychologist, who has a doctorate. When you say you want a real doctor, do you mean that you want to see a psychiatrist who can prescribe meds? If so, then chances are the psychiatrist will prescribe you some meds and not talk to you about what is going on. That is why I think it would be safer to make an appt with a PhD level therapist who can then refer you to a psychiatrist if that is what you want. It is important that your therapist and your psychiatrist work together to find out what meds work for you if that is what you need.

You also might want to try this website: psychologytoday.com. You can search for therapists by degree, issues they specialize in, etc.

[it'sjustme]

What was moved?

[sunrise]

A therapist is a good place to start. Certain kinds of therapy can be effective for borderline personality disorder. So it sounds like your mom is on the right track, but it would be good if there was openness surrounding the appointment. It does not feel good to be "tricked" into doing anything. If you are looking for a diagnosis, a therapist can do that. For personality disorders, though, therapists often like to get to know you and have quite a few sessions before making such a diagnosis. It is very typical not to diagnose a personality disorder at the first meeting. You can get help without having an official diagnosis in your chart, so don't worry about that. Plus, you can be treated for your anxiety and depression symptoms. A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in your chart can be stigmatizing, so please don't rush to achieve this.

[pbutton]

I think starting with a therapist would be a good idea. Tell the therapist the truth & they'll help figure out a plan to help you. If you need a different type of doctor the therapist will know that. good luck!

[daza]

Originally Posted by BlessedRhiannon

I'd say you'd probably want to start with a therapist that specializes in anxiety, depression, and or BPD. You could ask your regular doctor for a referral...you don't have to disclose everything, just say that you need some help with anxiety or depression, or whatever.

A therapist might eventually refer you to a psychiatrist, but a good therapist would be the place to start.

Yeah I agree.