Poll and Theory

Hello,


It seems to me there are an awful lot of bi-polar borderlines. I tend to be rather skeptical when people identify as both bi-polar and borderline. I had a BPD friend, who claimed to be both.....we got into several heated discussions about it as there was no reason for the claim of bi-polar other than the doctor's mis-diagnosis.
I think doctors hear "rapidly shifting moods" and are trigger happy with bi-polar. It's funny, how many celebrities are bi-polar these days.....it's almost fashionable.

Of course, actually having bi-polar disorder is horrible i'm sure........


I think one of the issues i have with this..........is that some borderlines, (me for sure) tend to enjoy having labels and issues, almost like a badge of honour. If I was AsPD.....i'd print it on a T-shirt....why? I don't know......i just get some sort of pleasure from thinking of myself as really messed up.
I think some borderlines.....like my friend............once they attach to the idea they are bi-polar, they sort of hang on to it. It becomes part of your identity and letting it go is hard.

This can be especially troublesome....when taking medication. I think too many borderlines are given SSRIs and the like to control "bi-polar" issues.......ones that don't exist.


Of course, you can have both! And yes, you reading this getting angry........i'm sure you do! You specifically, you have both.......i'm talking about everyone else.

Yep.

I've been told I " seem " bi-polar before because of "rapid mood swings "

I am not bi polar. I know someone who is bi-polar and they suffer grately I am in no way that. I just get their mood swings sometimes.

I've been told I "seem" anti-social before because of " Not always being overly friendly "

I am not anti-social. Once again I know someone who is anti-social and they don't care to be around people and can live without them.

That isn't BPD.

I notice doctors end up grouping things or mixing alot.

Of course it's possible to like you said "have both"

but I don't and sometimes think doctors have just tried to put a tag on it.

Twistedmister wrote: I think some borderlines.....like my friend............once they attach to the idea they are bi-polar, they sort of hang on to it. It becomes part of your identity and letting it go is hard.

I agree with this idea, especially as borderlines (and indeed others with mental health issues) tend to have problems with regards to identity. I guess I build my identity around my label. I can be laid back one day, and then impulsive and reckless the next. I have one constant, and that's being borderline. It's something I can read about and relate with completely, something I can identify with, I can look at it and say, "that's me," which is soooo comforting when I don't know what "me" is. And I know that won't change tomorrow in the same way that my mood will, that my impulsivity or my feelings towards someone will -- in at least some fashion, even if it's small, I believe I'll always be borderline.

In answer to your poll: BPD. I've been dx'd with other things as well, but not bipolar.