Alright, I'll give you guys some background so you can better answer the question. Basically, I'm under the suspicion that I have borderline personality disorder, and I'm wondering whether it's worth the money to see about getting counseling for it. Right now the main thing holding me back, which I'm sure is the reason most people don't go, is the massive cost of mental health counseling since it's rarely ever covered by insurance and they don't come cheap.
Anyway, I have all the classic signs of BPD such as suspicion of others, feeling of abandonment by others (although in this day and age, people /do/ abandon each other quite alot, apparently loyalty is dead), impulsive behavior (nothing harmful but still impulsive), intense mood swings and emotional overreactions, intense rage (I don't know anyone with a temper nearly as bad as mine), turbulent relationships, used to be depressed for years too but that suddenly stopped like two years ago and been happy ever since but yeah opinions?
2007-01-25 14:33:48 · 11 answers · asked by timster1984 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
the most proven effective treatment for BPD is dialectical behavioral therapy and medication. you can find more information on DBT and BPD on www.dbtselfhelp.com and behavioraltech.org
depending on where you live, you may be able to find a community mental health center with a DBT treatment team. community mental health typically treats people without insurance and they base their fees on your income, level of functioning, etc.
having bpd is very hard (i speak from personal experience), and working the DBT program takes a great deal of effort, committment, and time. you basically have to unlearn everything you've learned about emotions, relationships, dealing with stress etc. and relearn healthy ways of coping.
you also might want to get these books:
"depressed and anxious"
" don't let your emotions run your life"
"miracle of mindfulness"
2007-01-25 15:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by Sara K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would probably at least visit a therapist once. A personality disorder isn't something they can "cure" with medication but more appropriate coping behaviors could be learned. It might help you develop better boundaries in your relationships and address the reasons why you are afraid of being abandoned or left alone. Some of the symptoms you listed are also indicative of a few other disorders so I would really consult so that you know what if anything is actually going on with you and the best way to go about dealing with it.
2007-01-25 14:47:51 · answer #2 · answered by indydst8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, seek counseling. Go directly to counseling, do not pass go, do not collect $200. There are many agencies that provide free counseling such as Good Samaritan Center, your city's Mental Health Center, Catholic Charities, United Way, NAMI(National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), 12 step groups, the list is endless. Try doing an internet search for, "free counseling services in YOURCITY"
2007-01-25 14:47:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a good book called "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me". I highly recommend it. It explains BPD in everyday terms and gives examples and case studies. It's available in paperback for less than 10 bucks. And this is just my opinion, but psych meds really get a bad rap. If you sincerely have the disorder, they can give you a world of relief if you find the right one for you. I don't think you should be too quick to discount them. Maybe give them a try. If they don't work, or you don't like them, you can always discontinue taking them. If you indeed have a chemical imbalance in your brain, they are really the only way to correct it. If you had diabetes, you would take insulin to correct it, wouldn't you? You wouldn't feel ashamed at all about taking it. It's the same way with brain disorders. Don't worry about the social stigma surrounding psych meds. When you are feeling much better, you won't care. Sorry for your troubles and best of luck to you.
2016-03-29 02:56:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should ask yourself the question: do I want to get better? It depends with how you feel about yourself. Are you happy with your life and your behavior? If so, why bother with treatment? If not, have you tried to change your behavior? If you have tried on your own and nothing is working, then you need to at least talk to your doctor about your behavior. Your doctor can advise you if you a) need medication to help manage your moods and b) recommend a therapist for you to see. I know it sucks that therapy isn't always covered by health insurance, but there are health departments that can work with you on payment and sometimes group therapy is free. Good luck!
2007-01-25 17:35:10 · answer #5 · answered by kaliluna 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is worth getting help with. There are programs that provide services free or on a sliding scale depending on your income. Medication along with counseling is the best way to resolve your disorder. If you don't know how to find a low cost program, start by contacting your local hospital's social worker. They usually have a huge amount of resources available to the public. Good luck!
2007-01-25 15:03:02 · answer #6 · answered by Good Grief! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if you are wanting counselling, then you should go ahead. Then in consultation with the counsellor, you can decide on what the best course of action is for you.
I believe that despite all the hype, despite all the predetermined opinions, all the stigma that exists with BPD, that you need to act in accordance to what your needs are. If attending counselling will assist you in your day to day living, then please reach out and find the counsellor that will work for you.
Bottom line: Talk to the counsellor, explore what you want to achieve through therapy, and decide from there.
As a side note: I think age is an important thing to consider. At one time, I had received a diagnosis of BPD, but in hindsight and through much discussion with mh professionals, we finally came to understand that much of the criteria that was being used to diagnose me with BPD was actually attributable to being in my late teens/early twenties and having gone through some really tough personal traumas. Ultimately, I had been given a wrong diagnosis and it took many years to change it. (Just something I thought I should share.)
2007-01-25 15:04:04 · answer #7 · answered by barbieisthe1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a clinic in your area associated with a University or hospital. Do internet research on them including their fees. Find a BPD chat group on line and see what their experience has been. You are having symptoms that are bothersome to you, and you may as well explore what option you have.
2007-01-25 15:02:00 · answer #8 · answered by DrB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is worth going and congress just passed a bill that companies have to provide mental coverage for their workers. plus if you have no insurance they based it on like 5 or 10 a visit at your local mental health
2007-01-25 14:47:52 · answer #9 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET HELP OR YOUR LIFE WILL BE HELL I KNOE IM 53YO MALE AND HAD ALL OF MY LIFE BEN GOING TO THE HEAD DOCTOR SENT I WAS IN 2 GRADE AND THEY DID NOT EVER HELP THEY ONLY HAD BIPOLAR 10 OR 15 YEARS NOT WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I HAVE LIVE THE HELL OF IT GOOD THING I HAVE A GOOD WIFE THAT UNDERSTAND ME AND PUT UP WITH MY SH!t well you know what im talking about
2007-01-25 15:15:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋