Hi MissE,
I felt compelled to reply to your post because, I too, have been diagnosed with BPD. I have been undergoing treatment since 2003. Since last fall, the possibility of also having bipolar disorder is being explored, and (knock on wood), treatment is working for me. I have managed over the years to dramatically reduce symptoms of BPD. I am not sure that I would still qualify as having the disorder - although I definitely have borderline traits.
Just a word of caution though... you appear to expect treatment for BPD to be easier than treatment for BP. This is not the case. My goal is not to discourage you, but rather the opposite. It is natural for us borderlines to see everything as all good, or all bad. So, the thought of finally having a "right" diagnosis as the answer to your problems is totally normal. I just don't want you to fall into the negative once you hit the first hurdles. I am guessing that you are starting (or started on the 2nd?) dialectical behaviour therapy. This can be very effective, but it is very challenging, and it is primordial that you stick to it - no matter how difficult or poignant it gets.
BPD, being an Axis 2 disorder is not technically due to any chemical imbalance, although borderlines have a higher incidence of Axis 1 disorders (like anxiety or depression) which are aggravated by the BPD. So, lets say there's no chemical imbalance... that means there's also no chemical answer, so to speak. Although there is no miracle pill for Axis 1 disorders, they can help a great deal. For BPD, or other Axis 2 disorders, your recovery depends on you, your attitude, and your determination.
That's the technical stuff, but I myself don't exactly believe in all that Axis 1 or 2 lingo. Suffering is suffering and whether your suffering lies in this or that category, doesn't make it any easier or any less credible. The important thing is that your suffering is acknowledged and that your treatment is geared towards your recovery, not Axis whatever's recovery. For most people, and probably for you too, a multi-axis approach is what works.
Recovering from BPD is not a easy road, I can promise you that. But it can be done, I've known many people who have recovered successfully. However, don't let yourself be beaten down by the stigma or the attitude that some professionals may have towards you because of the label of BPD. Sadly, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding this label. Just always remember that you are entitled to all the help you can get, and if ever you get scoffed of or rude remarks when you try reaching out, don't focus on them, but rather, pat yourself on the back for getting yourself some help when you needed some. Every little achievement is a successful gesture on your part and if others can't recognize that, then they're just not worth the anger and/or resentment.
Sorry for rambling on so much, I tend to do that. But I really wish you good luck with your treatment, and want you to know that we are all here to encourage and support you.
Take care,
J.
Hi MissE,
I felt compelled to reply to your post because, I too, have been diagnosed with BPD. I have been undergoing treatment since 2003. Since last fall, the possibility of also having bipolar disorder is being explored, and (knock on wood), treatment is working for me. I have managed over the years to dramatically reduce symptoms of BPD. I am not sure that I would still qualify as having the disorder - although I definitely have borderline traits.
Just a word of caution though... you appear to expect treatment for BPD to be easier than treatment for BP. This is not the case. My goal is not to discourage you, but rather the opposite. It is natural for us borderlines to see everything as all good, or all bad. So, the thought of finally having a "right" diagnosis as the answer to your problems is totally normal. I just don't want you to fall into the negative once you hit the first hurdles. I am guessing that you are starting (or started on the 2nd?) dialectical behaviour therapy. This can be very effective, but it is very challenging, and it is primordial that you stick to it - no matter how difficult or poignant it gets.
BPD, being an Axis 2 disorder is not technically due to any chemical imbalance, although borderlines have a higher incidence of Axis 1 disorders (like anxiety or depression) which are aggravated by the BPD. So, lets say there's no chemical imbalance... that means there's also no chemical answer, so to speak. Although there is no miracle pill for Axis 1 disorders, they can help a great deal. For BPD, or other Axis 2 disorders, your recovery depends on you, your attitude, and your determination.
That's the technical stuff, but I myself don't exactly believe in all that Axis 1 or 2 lingo. Suffering is suffering and whether your suffering lies in this or that category, doesn't make it any easier or any less credible. The important thing is that your suffering is acknowledged and that your treatment is geared towards your recovery, not Axis whatever's recovery. For most people, and probably for you too, a multi-axis approach is what works.
Recovering from BPD is not a easy road, I can promise you that. But it can be done, I've known many people who have recovered successfully. However, don't let yourself be beaten down by the stigma or the attitude that some professionals may have towards you because of the label of BPD. Sadly, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding this label. Just always remember that you are entitled to all the help you can get, and if ever you get scoffed of or rude remarks when you try reaching out, don't focus on them, but rather, pat yourself on the back for getting yourself some help when you needed some. Every little achievement is a successful gesture on your part and if others can't recognize that, then they're just not worth the anger and/or resentment.
Sorry for rambling on so much, I tend to do that. But I really wish you good luck with your treatment, and want you to know that we are all here to encourage and support you.
Take care,
J.