I hope you're all well and keeping safe during these very unusual times.
Since the lockdown, I've been through yet another roller-coaster. As some of you may know, I was diagnosed last year with Bipolar 2 which has taken me all this time to adjust to and just as i thought I was going to be ok from now on.....Boom!
I had another episode of mixed emotions followed by about a 3 week period of the pure hell of depression. I was not eating or sleeping and self-harmed to the point I needed stitches on my tummy. After many phonecalls and assessments, there was some indication that I may not have Bipolar but instead, BPD.
I was absolutely devastated and for that whole day, my world just fell apart. However, I've read a lot about it and seems to fit (as much as I hate to admit it). And since then, things seem to make sense which in itself has been a bit of a relief. BUT, I've not had a formal diagnosis and I'm not getting any support at the moment.
I am considering paying for a private psychiatrist in the next few months but was just wondering if anybody has any experiences? And is there any online support I can access?
I have felt a sense of relief but as you can imagine, I'm still very 'lost' with it all and feeling a bit fragile so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you and Take care
JellyBaby X
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JellyBaby5050
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I also have BPD (or EUPD) and I know it is possible to have a dual diagnosis of both Bi Polar and Borderline PD. I have also learnt over the years that the medical treatment (ie the use of tablets) is also very similar. For example I am on Quetiapine and Mirtazapine which is exactly the same drugs as a friend who has Bipolar, but my dose of Quetiapine is slightly lower.
But what really helped me come to terms with managing my triggers and emotions was doing a STEPPS Programme.
Explains about the programme even though it's an American site. I cannot recommend STEPPS highly enough for those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Obviously with the current pandemic on it may be difficult to access a STEPPS Programme but they could be doing it online. I find that I can get a lot of answers from mind.org.uk and they also run support groups (currently via zoom) which allows you to talk.
I have always referred to my BPD as a poor man's Bipolar, in that you have the mood swings but of less intensity than someone with Bipolar but the downside is that instead of weeks/months they are hours/days and that's what makes it so difficult to manage. The STEPPS program teaches you how to manage them.
Sorry it's a bit rambling but I wanted to reply and have done so on my phone rather than waiting until tomorrow and use my laptop so.I hope it makes sense.
How were you diagnosed? I have had anxiety and depression forever, more so anxiety but I feel there is more to it. I have compulsive and intrusive thoughts that come out of no where. I can be fine one week and falling apart the next. I’m at my wits end.
but the identifiers can be a) also be indicative of other mental health issues b)are quite broad and c) don't fit everyone.
The only way forward is to have a conversation with your GP and ask them to refer you to mental health services for a formal diagnosis. That way you will be able to access further treatment and support.
I have been diagnosed fairly recently and understand when you say you struggle to come to terms with a diagnosis, I'm still struggling to accept what's going on. I'm on duloxetine (antidepressant), pregabalin (anxiety), lithium (mood stabilizer) and promethazine (sleep aid and anxiety).
I was referred for DBT which I believe is similar to CBT but more intense and tailored to people we BPD. I wasnt accepted as I wasnt 'bad' enough! They suggested SCM therapy but I had previously been referred to psychology and I some how got to the top of the waiting list as I was turned down for DBT. So I've had 2 sessions of psychology, she has said she isnt interested in labels which I kinda get but also it's why I've got psychology because I've got a label and why I'm on med etc.. 2 sessions I guess is too early to say if its gonna help but I feel something has to.
I get from what I've been told is that thought goes to feeling goes to action very quickly and you respond with emotion rather than thought and you need to be more mindful of focusing on the thought....or something like that made up by people who've never the horrendous thoughts and feeling we live with everyday.
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