Ask the Therapist
Do I have BPD?
Help!
That may be a little drastic, but i feel a little like that at the moment!
I have not been diagnosed as having Border Line Personality Disorder, yet i strongly believe i have it. Since i was 9 years old and i am 32 years old now, i have been very, "delicate".
I always push away the people i love, i crave my own space and send away partners, yet i want them close. when ever i am stressed, nerves and anxiety always take over and i sometimes end up in a blind rage or panic.
My question is, does any of this short description sound at all like i may have BPD? if so, how do i go about getting some help? Also, my 11 year old son is displaying exactly the same tendencies as myself and i am now worrying for him and how to get him some help. I have kept this to myself for years and only now decided to actually tell someone, albeit through an email.
Thank you for your time. Sorry to pester you.
No bother at all. What you describe does indeed sound like some of the characteristics of a borderline personality. Maybe not a full blown disorder, and I'm not really in a position to diagnose, but clearly some of the features. Currently the most effective method for dealing with this type of profile is DBT -- Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. If you can find a therapist or group who works in this model, I suspect you will find it quite helpful.
As for your son -- apples and trees. His behavior is in part a reflection of what he "learns" from you. At his age, there is no telling whether he is actually developing behavioral patterns or just mimicking what he sees to be your reactions to certain situations. Don't go taking responsibility or feeling guilty about this. It's a natural sort of interaction between parents and children. As you become more grounded, I suspect he will lose some of his tendencies.
