Dealing With Mood Issues

I'm not diagnosed, but I strongly believe I have BPD. The symptom that I deal with the most is my almost chronic mood issue.
It's most persistent when I'm not being validated in some way. When I'm in my group of friends, I always end up getting quiet because I feel as though the group is ignoring me. I try to remedy this with alcohol, which works most of the time.
When I'm at home alone, I get a rush of just having to do something, because I drown in boredom. Usually drugs help this, but I don't always have some.
Basically, little things set me off into negative thinking spirals. If my boyfriend acts like he doesn't want to go out, I become very hurt and guilt him without meaning to. I feel like I make everything bigger than it is.
I'm afraid of going to see someone about this. :/ It's something that I've never done. Lately, I feel like I have no choice because I don't know how I'm going to progress in life with my mood/depression issues.
I guess I don't really have a question since I know this is a BPD forum and people on here have dealt with some form of this and know it sucks. I suppose I could ask if you've taken mood stabilizers and if they've helped you. If anything, I wanted to get this off my chest.
I'm 22, if that's relevant.
I apologize if I sound a bit naive/lame in this post, but I've never really talked to anyone about this.

god am I aware of the negative spirals and whatnot.

while mood stabilizers have been a working item for most people with BPD, it has be recorded that there are some that it didn't help as much. most of those are more than likely those who either impulsively used the meds, didn't take it regularly or as perscribed, or gave up before the trial period ended because "it just wasn't doing anything", but there are probably a couple real cases of it not being affective. and that comes down to body chemistry.

I personally can't answer if it helps or not as I fall into that latter category (impulsively used/not as prescribed) , but I think it is worth a go.

a therapist would also be a good first start too.

I've been diagnosed with bipolar and then BPD last year. I was already on mood stabilisers and they definitely helped. I find that keeping to a routine helps my mood - exercising 5 - 6 times a week so I get really sweaty and out of breath, 30 mins of yoga 5 - 6 times per week, regular meal times, regular bed times and boring stuff like that.

I also find that getting out in nature really helps.

I'm on lamotrigine right now and it's really good for preventing depression. It's a mood stabiliser and I think it's used for BPD too.

I'm on mood stabilisers right now and there's been a huge difference in my moods, I've had more ups than downs since getting back on them, I highly recommend them.

Smiggles wrote:I'm on mood stabilisers right now and there's been a huge difference in my moods, I've had more ups than downs since getting back on them, I highly recommend them.

I love your icon. She's my favorite.

CloudShark wrote:I've been diagnosed with bipolar and then BPD last year. I was already on mood stabilisers and they definitely helped. I find that keeping to a routine helps my mood - exercising 5 - 6 times a week so I get really sweaty and out of breath, 30 mins of yoga 5 - 6 times per week, regular meal times, regular bed times and boring stuff like that.

I also find that getting out in nature really helps.

I'm on lamotrigine right now and it's really good for preventing depression. It's a mood stabiliser and I think it's used for BPD too.

The routine and getting to bed early usually helps me, but I falter and sometimes find myself up super late even if I got up early that day.
Totally agree with nature helping. It does. I wish I could be outside all the time.

np01 wrote:god am I aware of the negative spirals and whatnot.

while mood stabilizers have been a working item for most people with BPD, it has be recorded that there are some that it didn't help as much. most of those are more than likely those who either impulsively used the meds, didn't take it regularly or as perscribed, or gave up before the trial period ended because "it just wasn't doing anything", but there are probably a couple real cases of it not being affective. and that comes down to body chemistry.

I personally can't answer if it helps or not as I fall into that latter category (impulsively used/not as prescribed) , but I think it is worth a go.

a therapist would also be a good first start too.

I do need a therapist. I guess I just don't know how to get started. I've never been to one.

What helps me medication wise is Lexapro. It's an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication but has really stabilized my mood as well as easing up my depression and anxiety. Finding a great doctor or therapist that you feel comfortable with will help you make the right decisions for medications. I feel that it's good to know the names of medications and what they do so you can research the options you have and educate yourself on what you need.

By no means am I a doctor lol. I just know what works for me.

It's quite interesting to see what meds other people are taking.

For sure, CloudShark. I've been through tons of medications. Lots of trial and error and it fascinates me to find out how one med that was a complete no-go for me, works very well for someone else.