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Post by dogswithbigears on Jan 24, 2014 23:03:09 GMT
Hi Katrine
Some people find diagnosis helpful, others don't. I would caution any self-diagnosing and also be wary of any online diagnosis.
If a diagnosis is important to you, please be aware that many diagnoses "overlap" in terms of diagnostic criteria - it's not an exact "science." And sometimes in our quest to find out what's wrong, why we are suffering, it can be easy to read about one condition or another and fit ourselves into it. And it can even bias our presentation to professionals if we've made links with certain criteria beforehand.
So yes, my first question to myself would be how important is a diagnosis to me.
Something else to perhaps consider is researching treatment options and thinking about whether a particular approach would work for you. Because ultimately, regardless of diagnosis, the treatment you receive ideally should be one with which you can engage; an approach you can believe in. The relationship you build with your therapist/s is SO important; indeed, many professionals see that relationship as more crucial to relieving suffering than the form of treatment provided.
I've had many many labels stuck to me over the past 20 years, along with a ridiculous amount of medication. What has helped me more than any of that "stuff" is finding someone who understands, doesn't judge or blame me, acknowledges my suffering and the life events that have contributed to it, and who listens with compassion. Unfortunately, there is no prescription for that!
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Post by MissBlack on Jan 24, 2014 23:42:08 GMT
Hey, Before I reply to this thread I would like to bring your attention to what you said in your previous thread and by actually doing all of this you aren't failing you are just putting yourself. I can only do it one small step at a time... Well done for asking for help. Even if it is not asking your GP yet it is still a step in the right direction! I am guessing you weren't expecting the psychologist to come back with the answer she gave? Keep the above quote from you in mind all the way through your recovery and gradually let your GP know what you want out of this healing process. Ideally you should do this, as you are the one in charge of your recovery Katrine, and if feel a therapy or a medication doesn't allow you to show the qualities you like about yourself then you can stop the medication or therapy that is causing it. I have an idea that might be ridiculous. But its worth a try, as it is going back to what you said about taking one step at a time. I think at the moment you are only seeing it as one big mountain to climb. So, it might be worth you separating it into small steps and doing ONE step at a time instead of trying to do it all at once when it comes to seeing your GP. *Sigh* I am such a hypocrite (I'm in the same situation as you). Oh well I hope what I have said has helped you a bit.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2014 0:14:46 GMT
I second what everyone else said, and I particularly agree with the bit about avoiding self-diagnosing and online diagnosis. The term "personality disorder" doesn't mean there's something wrong with your personality, although that seems to be the common response to having it suggested. I thought that too. It just means that you have personality traits that cause those symptoms and it's called a disorder when those symptoms severely affects your life. To get answers, you will have to see your GP, although I understand why you don't want to because I'm also wary of doctors. BPD is a complex disorder that requires a psychiatrist to diagnose, because as said above, the symptoms overlap with other illnesses. I was misdiagnosed with depression for a while. (The irony being that I did develop post-natal depression shortly after my borderline personality diagnosis, but that's a whole other story.) We're here for you through all of this.
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Post by ellief on Jan 25, 2014 22:05:11 GMT
Hey! I have BPD, and it really isn't taken as badly by people as I thought it would be. Most people don't know what it is and ask you to explain, which means they then will understand it when you explain, as opposed to having pre-conceived ideas. Also, BPD is a diagnosis that is rarely lifelong, you recover from it, yes it stays in your record that you had it, like if someone had an ear infection, but when recovered it is stated on your medical notes. The way I like to think about personality disorders is that the majority of people in our society have a particular way of functioning that is therefore "normal" because it's the way the majority are. If the majority had BPD then all the people currently considered normal would be considered "disordered". If that makes sense? Personally I found being diagnosed a relief, as I knew what I was dealing with and I knew what to tell people and how to explain to people. Hope this somehow helps
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Post by Helen on Jan 26, 2014 9:30:15 GMT
You've obviously thought through all the things that call you problems and everything. In the end you need to really decide what you want and get it. When you see doctors you can tell them that what you want are talking therapies. At the initial stages if you feel you're not being listened to and they are suggesting only medication I'd suggest what we talked about on the other thread and try another doctor until you can find one who you feel is working with you. Most doctors I've met seem to like it when you are looking out for yourself and are asking for help with the things you know you need help for. All I can say it write a load of stuff down to take with you to the doctors and see whether you can work with them.
No diagnosis is the end of the world. And as everyone has been saying it won't mean you have to chance the essence of yourself. All you need to do is keep taking steps up the mountain.
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Post by ellief on Jan 26, 2014 13:37:06 GMT
Having a diagnosis of BPD has no real affect other than it gets treated as best as possible. You shouldnt need to feel ashamed, if anyone makes you feel like that then they aren't worth worrying over, as they are clearly misinformed when it comes to mental health. Mental ill-health is nothing to fear or be ashamed of, everyone has mental health, and the majority struggle with it at some point or other. I know when im well I'll ne stronger from what I've battled my way through, and I'll be proud to say my struggles and that I overcame them. Hope this helps somehow.
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