I am VERY scared that anyone I go to (a counselor?) will say I am a danger to myself and want to put me away, or they'll have to tell someone and I don't really want anyone to know. What should I expect, who should I go to...?
2006-06-14 10:44:11 · 9 answers · asked by R. McFee 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
As a person living with bpd, I can tell you that it can be rough at times, and it is NOT normal, even though it is extremely common.
If you are contemplating suicide, have recurring thoughts of hurting yourself or have ever done physical harm to yourself, it is imperative that you seek psychiatric treatment. Most people will tell you that counselors are there to help, and they are in some ways, but it is likely that if you tell them you intend to harm yourself they will require that you check in to the hospital. I had this happen when I went to interview a day program and I had to stay at the hospital for 6 nights. It was very frightening and didn't help a lot, but I learned to "play their game." When I left work I didn't want anyone to know, either, but I told them I was going to a hospital for medical reasons and left it at that, no one needs to know more. Please feel free to contact me at cobaltlava@yahoo.com if you need someone to talk to. You are not alone. I am living with the scars, both physically and emotionally, from years of bpd without treatment, and believe me it may be hard, but it is worth it.
Also, you may want to check out some books that I found really helpful: Lost in the Mirror, and I hate you, don't leave me are two good ones.
Also, it can be really hard for someone with bpd to find a compatible dr/counselor, so don't get discouraged. After 4 unsuccessful tries, I finally found someone that I feel I can trust and it has definitely helped although progress is slow.
2006-06-14 11:06:46 · answer #1 · answered by rae 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, you should go on the web to gather information, no one will know who you are, so you don't have to worry.
For your recovery, know that you have done the first step: acknoweldge there is a problem, and be willing to do something about it. Apparently, acording to BPD central, the average therapist doesn't know much about BPD. It's very important you get someone who know their business. If you are an adult, you can be assured of confidentiality. But having your family to help is important, you'll get better faster if someone supports you, and there is nothing to be ashamed off. You won't be put away either, there are effective treatments with drugs, such as Prozac, meaning there is no need to lock you up. And remember first and formost that they are helping YOU, so you'll get better. Wikipedia has plenty of info on the subject, the link is below. So get info, find the righ counselor (hospitals may have better information than a stand alone counselor), and feel better soon. I wish you the best.
2006-06-14 11:22:22 · answer #2 · answered by loki_the_ferret 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder when i was 18. You can be sure that a counselor will ask you if you have thoughts of hurting yourself, and if you do they will work with you to help you not to act on them. I've been hospitalized in the past, and if you "contract for safety", meaning you agree that you are not going to hurt yourself, and promise to tell someone before you act if you think you might, then you shouldn't have to worry about being "locked up".
I would recommend finding a therapist who specializes or says their area of interest is personality disorders (just going by your self-diagnosis, it may turn out it's not what you have, but i self-diagnosed myself, i knew immediately that i had it when i read about it, so my feeling is you're probably right). Most therapists do not like dealing with us (and for good reason in a lot of cases). Your therapist will ask you a lot of questions, and will determine an appropriate diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, if necessary you should take medication. There's nothing for bpd itself, but i found antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti anxiety medication, and sometimes antipsychotics to be helpful. Of course that was temporary until I went through therapy and got better. I'm proud to say I'm now off of medication completely!!
You could also find a therapist who does DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). I found that very helpful.
I don't know what your specific issues are, why you think you have this, but DO NOT let the psychiatric community's perception of people with bpd get you down. There are people out there, mental health professionals, who believe that we cannot get better. I am living proof that that is not true!!!
Find yourself a good therapist, one you can talk to and be honest with, and a good psychiatrist, if necessary, who will listen to your needs. Don't be afraid to take an active role in treatment and find new doctors if yours aren't working out.
DO NOT GO TO THE ER unless you are seriously in danger of hurting yourself. From my experience, they don't want to deal with you, and are more likely to "lock you up".
2006-06-14 12:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous61245 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really think you have a serious problem, then you should go to see a mental health counselor. It isn't really the bad system that you think it is. I have been there. A good counselor will know what it is that you really need, whether it is meds, or a psychologist. What ever it is Please get help.
2006-06-14 10:52:50 · answer #4 · answered by oddbutterfly1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well ,it seems yo want to find out. you can go to the Er if needed. or get a counselor..they didn't put me away but now I know I am bipolar 2..theres free clinics and such ..but yeah if you go in saying I want to kill myself, the can only keep you for 72 hrs for an evaluation.
good luck
2006-06-14 10:52:27 · answer #5 · answered by myangel_101211 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are there to HELP you. That is what they want to do. If you are a danger to yourself or others, then they are required by law to respond to this. Just keep it in mind.
Priests, ministers etc are not bound by this rule or not nearly some much anyway.
2006-06-14 10:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by campojoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So many people have a borderline personality disorder, it's considered normal.
2006-06-14 10:52:54 · answer #7 · answered by Dondare 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your counselor they will help you.
2006-06-14 10:47:27 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do this test
its really helps, and its PHD certified
http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv
2006-06-14 10:49:55 · answer #9 · answered by patriot_f16 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋