I think I have bpd, how should I go about this?

[Anonymous]

i’ve been relating to symptoms and traits for years. i’m only 18, and it’s hard to diagnose until you’re older. but i want to talk to a specialist about this. but i don’t have any form of insurance. should i tell me parents, my doctor?

[Oliverlogan263]

Here's what I would do sis -

I think the first step is talking to your parents about how you've been feeling and what you've researched. Even if they can't immediately help with a specialist, getting them in the loop is important.

Be honest but also hopeful - say you want to pursue a diagnosis so you can get proper treatment if needed. People are usually more supportive when they know it's coming from a place of taking care of yourself.

Ask if they can help look into options for seeing someone without insurance. Some therapists work on a sliding scale so payment is based on income. Or see if your regular doctor can refer you to any low-cost clinics nearby.

Colleges also often have counseling centers - maybe see what counselors at the one you want to attend could offer. Sometimes just opening up to a counselor is a good first step too before an official diagnosis.

Don't get too discouraged if it takes time to see someone - your health matters and you've got this! In the meantime, take good care of yourself through self-care, hobbies you enjoy and spending time with supportive people. It'll all work out, girl!

[Asker]

yes, it’s definitely challenging bringing it up though? especially as someone with parents who don’t believe in therapies or things like that… it’s a weird approach when going to my parents about these things.

[Oliverlogan263]

Aw man that makes it extra tough if your parents aren't really into the therapy stuff. But you still gotta take care of yourself, ya know? Maybe try feeling them out first on like mental health in general before bringing up the BPD stuff specifically. Like ask them what they think about stuff you see on TV shows or whatever, just to get a sense for how open they are. Or you could say you've been feeling kinda down lately and wanna see the doc, without labeling it right away. Maybe your regular doc could suggest it in a way that seems less "heavy" coming from them. And you definitely gotta take care of your own mental health whether they support it or not. Is there a friend's parent you trust who could take you to an appointment maybe? Or a school counselor you could talk to first for help telling your parents? You don't have to do it alone. We'll figure it out!

[petitedollbabee]

What makes you think that you have bpd? Bpd traits correlate with many, many other mental conditions. Your age won’t make it hard to diagnose, it can be diagnosed at 18. But I hope that you haven’t convinced yourself that you’ve got bpd without investigating all the other mental conditions that have the same/similar traits.

[Asker]

i relate to many of the sympotoms. i have done research, and i find myself always in these behaviors. im not saying it can’t be anything else, because 100% it can be.

[petitedollbabee]

I see. Well then the best step going forward is to book in with a psychiatrist and explain your symptoms to them - but don’t say that you think it’s bpd, otherwise they won’t take you seriously. Good luck.

[DrPepper12]

Like neurologist or psychologist or psychiatrist?

[Asker]

very very difficult and expensive with no insurance…