It always starts with the first post!

Hello all!

So I'm 47 years old, former Paramedic that was disabled out due to a back injury and recently diagnosed with BPD, fact is I was already tricked into DBT classes before I even knew my Dx.

I just thought I was normal. Guess that is subjective to everyone? I was finally getting comfortable being labeled PTSD and along came this BPD thing... Sigh

But after looking at the criteria for diagnosis I admit *cough cough* that I meet the minimum 5 out of 9 things..... Yeah it might be more then 5....

I'm actually thankful for getting the Dx in some ways because many years ago I was told I was bi-polar and PTSD, went on meds for years and nothing changed (other then I got fat). I spoke with my psych doc at the time and he agreed I might of been misdiagnosed and I was weaned off my medications. I did pretty good for awhile before some triggers hit me recently that have set off many of the behaviors I had when I was younger. So thankfully the DBT class came about at the right time and I'm very thankful I had a very observant LCSW, that was quick to figure out with my evasive answers what was going on.

So glad to have found the boards here and looking forward to corresponding with everyone!

Hey
I'm new too. Thought I'd say hi

Currently 'in treatment' and finding it pretty nerve-wracking.
LCSW? Is that the same as a care-co?

All the best xx

LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker here in Oregon.

Nice to meet you.

I get a good impression from you. My instincts tell me, that if you continue to focus on support and therapy, that you will make significant improvement but be patient!

One thing besides therapy, is to do whatever it takes to make sure you have a healthy, validating, and supportive network of people in your life. In some cases with people who are understanding, educating them on your diagnosis may be helpful and enhance tolerance towards your problems.

You also want to set up the right general living and life circumstances for yourself. You want to minimize any stress that you can avoid, make sure you are happy where you are living, and also I think the internet can be pretty useful for keeping your mind busy/away from any focus on negativity.

Definitely talk about your issues- such as on here. As you talk about situations and emotions you are experiencing, hopefully your insight and capacity to deal with things will grow.

Best wishes!

Hi Shane,

Welcome to the Forum! I find it very validating to be here, to relate to others and others relating
to me. And learning from others better ways to cope, ideas on books, healing practices etc.

And this group is helping me to distinguish my projections from reality. I am seeing more and more
for example how my intimacy issues with Bob has more to do with me than a problem with an attraction
to him.

I hope you feel comfortable posting. And sharing who you are.

Monkey

Hi Shane!
I've got to say that even though my diagnosis of BPD happened earlier in life for me, my story is almost a carbon copy of your story. I was also diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD for a while and they've finally switched my Dx to borderline after I was still an absolute mess on bipolar meds. I'm glad you're finally getting the help you need and welcome to the forum!