Fitting into whichever diagnosis is given to me

I've been in the mental health system since I was 13. (I'm 25 now). I've been given too many diagnoses to name. The dr.s diagnosed me with BPD a long time ago, and I know that's right.

It seems like whenever I get a new label, I try to fit in with it. Suddenly I develop "symptoms" that weren't there before. It's like, I need that label so I know who I am. Does anyone else do this?

slj25 wrote:I've been in the mental health system since I was 13. (I'm 25 now). I've been given too many diagnoses to name. The dr.s diagnosed me with BPD a long time ago, and I know that's right.

It seems like whenever I get a new label, I try to fit in with it. Suddenly I develop "symptoms" that weren't there before. It's like, I need that label so I know who I am. Does anyone else do this?

I understand. I think this is not unusual for pwBPD. We lack a stable sense ofidentity, and a dx is as good an identity as any, and easy to cling to. It may be that your symptoms are "triggered" on getting a label more than anything--I am not sure they just materialize out of thin air. But I could be wrong.

Along those lines, sometimes when I read about BPD or post on this board, I get triggered and behave in unhealthy ways that track either what I am reading about or what is being discussed on here.

I do this too. I used to think I was a hypochondriac, until I met a real one.
But yeah, I read the other sections on this forum and start thinking if I have these other stuff as well. At the moment, I'm wondering if I'm also NPD. I've ruled out HPD, but I've got these other symptoms to tick off my list.

Thank you. You both made me feel a little better. It's really quite embarrassing.

slj25 wrote:Thank you. You both made me feel a little better. It's really quite embarrassing.

You don't need to be embarrassed here. I am glad you shared with us. Take care.

I do this too, unless I don't like the diagnosis, then I change it lol. My therapist says that there is really no either / or when it comes to cluster B disorders - there is a lot of comorbidity.

Just try not to develop any new "symptoms" that are dangerous.

slj25 wrote:Thank you. You both made me feel a little better. It's really quite embarrassing.

Glad to help.