Topic Tuesday // BPD Awareness Week 2021 – Discover Creative Wellbeing // Tues 5th October, 7pm-8:30pm AEDT

[Scarlet72]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forums and have only been formally diagnosed with BPD in the last 2 months. I am 49 and my psychiatrist says I'm not the "classic presentation of BPD". 
Mind you he didn't diagnose me a psychiatrist in the emergency room did and when I looked it up it all made so much sense to me. 
It explained my whole life. Now everything makes so much more sense to me.

Sorry, I'm probably off topic.

[BPDSurvivor]

Question 4.

In my many years in the mental health system, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no ‘treatment resistant’ condition. Rather, the treatment (or method of treatment) that is being provided is not suitable for the individual.

So what can you do?

Keep Looking! Don’t give up! If one thing doesn’t work, try the next!

I’d also like to mention that for someone to be diagnosed with BPD, they simple need to meet ANY of the 5 criteria. Hence, there are hundreds of variations of BPD. No two people with BPD are exactly the same!

Even within the therapy space, no to clinicians offer the same DBT treatment. If one experience hasn’t gone to well, don’t let yourself say “DBT doesn’t work”.

There needs to be a shift in healthcare spaces so that they consider the language they use.  They need to look beyond the superficial layers of hurt, pain, and rage to find the real person underneath. This takes time. And unfortunately, many are not willing to make the time.

[Jacques]

yes it can be so emotionally hard @BPDSurvivor @Shaz51 you hate to see your loved one hurting and so distressed showing lots of love and unserstanding can never be over rated, 

that is an awesome saying strike while the iron is cold. maybe a good saying to put with the label 

[KirstyNEABPD]

@Jacques, excellent, sounds like you're doing a great job. This site has a lot of great webinars and resources
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/media-library/

[cloudcore]

Hi @Scarlet72, glad you coukld join us! It sounds like getting that BPD diagnosis was a validating experience for you, is that right?

[BPDSurvivor]

Thank you for sharing @Scarlet72 ! As much as having a BPD diagnosis may not be pleasant, it is also a comfort to know that you have behaved in ways due to a MH condition - it is actually validating.

Also, you can then look for therapies that target BPD. 

Do you have any supports?

[KirstyNEABPD]

@DrZoidberg- I do know that there are online DBT groups and it doesn't necessarily matter the state you live. One of the silver linings I suppose with our current climate- more on-line groups

[Shaz51]

Hello @Scarlet72 ❤

[Wol]

Mental health support is nearly non existent in Tassie and waiting times extremely long.

[KirstyNEABPD]

https://dbtonline.com.au/
(Melbourne Based)
https://adelaidedbt.com.au/programs/skills-group-only (Adelaide)

Maybe revisit previous places you've tried as they now may offer online options?