BPD, Bipolar and Multiple Diagnoses

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

Hello, I am a 28 year old female with multiple diagnoses. I have been treated as bipolar 2 . I was told 2 years ago that I had borderline personality and would never get better. I have been reading your website and found some hope.

But I still remain suicidal and self-destructive. I do not want to be hospitalized again. I want to stay strong as long as I can. When should I go for help?

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How bad does it have to be? I am almost tired of trying anymore...My counselor says diagnosis doesn't matter, symptoms do, but that seems paradoxical to me. My husband is very supportive, but I don't want him to know that it is hopeless.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

It is absolutely Not Hopeless!! To believe anything else is believing a lie. If someone told you that you were a giraffe, that doesn't mean you're a giraffe. The truth is those with the BPD can have a healthy, happy, successful and productive life in every important area of life if they're willing to do it.

I don't know who in your area to recommend, but you clearly need help ASAP. The BPD needs treatment, it's not a matter of how severe. The severity causes medication adjustments, not the decision whether to treat or not.

I couldn't possibly disagree more with your counselor. The diagnosis is crucial, and the BPD must be treated as a medical problem.

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