[stephc]

About five years ago, my mother had a nervous breakdown and about two-three years ago she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. That's just a little background. I've lived with my mother nearly all my life and most of the time it was just me and her.

The thing is, the things that my mother was nervous about like going out alone, ringing people, being in crowds and now I find myself hating going out alone, ringing people and I despise crowds. I'm just 15 so I'm wondering if these behavioural thingies have rubbed off on me?

She also got agoraphobia and now I hate leaving the house and my bedroom. My sister thinks that I'm becoming a lot like my mum in that way too. She gets confused and I get confused. Does it sound like it's rubbing off on me? Hmm.

[Perna]

Yes, it sounds like you haven't had much other experience or examples? A lot of our behavior is learned from those close to us; I would find more/different people to hang out with and practice getting other experiences like those you'd like to enjoy in the future. One can only get so far within one's self/environment; instead of having more control that way, there's actually less.

[Leed]

Hi ~ I agree. Do you suppose you could spend some time with your school mates after school? Could you perhaps go to the Library with them or just spend some time with them? You need more time away from home ~ time with kids your own age. If you work at it little by little, maybe you'll begin to feel more comfortable and start going more places. These are your FUN years ~ you don't want to spend them locked up in your room. Give it a try. If you can't manage it, ask your mom if you can talk to a therapist, ok?? Good luck, and God bless. Keep us posted on how you're doing, ok? hugs, Lee