How Can Tell if What I’m Feeling Is Bad Enough to Be Diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder?

Question by Bitski: How can tell if what I’m feeling is bad enough to be diagnosed as borderline personality disorder?
A couple years ago I was diagnosed with acute major depression. I took medication and was tapered off after a year. Now I’ve been off medication for a year and my depression remains under control most days, but some days I just feel so empty. When I reflect on my life I honestly feel like there’s no one out there that truly cares about me and I’m the only one forcing myself to continue on with life. I looked into bpd and realized I had essentially every symptom mentioned, especially the feeling of being abandoned. I’m 22 and have never been in a relationship. I have one friend, but I fear if she leaves or something happens to her (she’s depressed and had suicidal thoughts) then that’d be it, I’d have no one. I feel so detached from everything. People avoid me and I just have never felt like I belonged anywhere. I fear what life is going to be like when I finally leave college and my fear of people prevents me from doing anything worthwhile. Is this just my depression/anxiety returning? Is this something I should pay attention to or do “normal” people have these thoughts as well? When is enough, enough? Please help.

Best answer:

Answer by Kristina H
yes normal people think this way also. pls call or go to a hosp and get referred to a depression group. Everyone is afraid of other people and being rejected, some just are more courageous to just get out there. Pls find a group and get involved, your collage nurse can direct you also, our prayers are with you and let us know how you are doing. I care, you were made for a purpose and that is not an early check out

Answer by RWPossum
As I understand it, BPD is characterized by what’s called parasuicidal behaviors – recklessness like DUI, drug addiction, and aborted suicide attempts. BPD people tend to have unhappy relationships, not holding on to people or having relationship with bad people. You can decide for yourself if that fits your symptoms. If you do have BPD, there’s a lot of evidence behind Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It’s been shown to be effective for the disorder in nine studies. You can find out about it quickly by watching You Tube videos on DBT and Marsha Linehan. DBT is one of the mindfulness and acceptance based therapies that have greatly changed psychology.

You may know this already but, whereas programs like DBT are usually administered by clinical psychologists, it’s the psychiatrists whose job it is to figure out personality problems. You might want to see a psychiatrist instead. Research shows that these two professionals can be effective, but for different problems. Psychiatrists have therapy that helps with complex problems like personality disorders, and psychologists have therapy that helps with acute problems like major depression and panic disorder.

I’ll mention some things about depression that you might find useful.

If you go to MBCT.com, you can read about the Oxford U. mindfulness program proven effective for preventing relapse after depression, and their book for depression.

Stress reduction methods – you can find them on the www. Go to the Univ of Kansas TLC site to read about their healthy lifestyle depression program. Book – Depression Cure by Steve Ilardi of the U of Kansas.

General advice for depression –

The most important thing is that you don’t harm yourself. If you’re afraid that you’re going to, call your doctor, a crisis hotline or 911.

When things are especially bad, take things one at a time — a day at a time, a morning at a time, or even five minutes. A favorite movie or music can help. Many people get relief by going for a walk. Within reason, some extra food will lift your spirits, whereas alcohol, which makes depression worse, should be avoided. Don’t isolate yourself. Talk with somebody, even if you don’t feel like it.

Stay in touch with your feelings. When you have an unpleasant mood shift, take one or two slow, deep breaths and examine the thought that just occurred to you, in terms of its truth and its relevance to what you’re doing at the moment. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, take slow, deep breaths until you’re calm, then think carefully about what to do. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress. The best exercise is the kind you enjoy, and sports are especially good because of the social activity. It may also be that people with depression who tend to remain indoors benefit from increased exposure to sunlight.

Usually, people go into depression in a downward spiral of negativity in thinking and behavior, one leading to the other. Getting out of depression is an upward spiral of healthy thinking and behavior, one leading to the other. In some cases, medication plays an important part, but healthy thought and behavior are still necessary. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it helps to be patient. A sense of humor is a big plus.

The most versatile treatment of all is healthy lifestyle.

You can read a cognitive therapy book to find out about it. For some people, it serves as a good treatment of itself. The best one seems to be The Feeling Good Handbook by Dr. David Burns, the book recommended most often for depression by professionals. Another good book is the book on insomnia for women by Meir Kryger.

There is a free online therapy program called MoodGYM. It’s offered by a university.