Introduction (self-harm triggers?)
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June 26, 2013 - 7:45 am
Hello all.
I'm new here. I joined yesterday. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I'm 43 years old (egads, how did THAT happen?)
Here's my story: I always had mood swings - from the time I was a little girl. I started to self-harm as a 6-year-old. As a teen, I was diagnosed with depression. In my early 20s, I was re-diagnosed as Bipolar II. Bipolar II fit a lot of my symptoms, but not self-harm, which had continued throughout my life. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Finally, I had a label that fit me. Labels aren't useful once you know what's wrong, but when you're trying to figure yourself out, they're very helpful. I read a lot about BPD and was able to see myself through that lens and figure a lot of stuff out.
I have been in therapy most of my life and discovered DBT several years ago. I went through two rounds of it in a group, but occasionally fall into old patterns. I do feel, though, that it is extremely helpful for borderlines, especially. I have even recommended it to my boyfriend, who suffers with anxiety.
I am currently on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Abilify and Clonidine, and am fairly stable on these meds. I'm in therapy, as well. I still have some issues with mood swings, but not too bad. I still self-harm from time to time (not cutting), and have abandonment issues around my relationship. Fortunately, my boyfriend is extremely understanding about it.
I know that this board isn't highly active, but I'll keep checking back to see if there's anywhere I can contribute. I hope all of you are having a decent day. :)
Rachel
I'm new here. I joined yesterday. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I'm 43 years old (egads, how did THAT happen?)
Here's my story: I always had mood swings - from the time I was a little girl. I started to self-harm as a 6-year-old. As a teen, I was diagnosed with depression. In my early 20s, I was re-diagnosed as Bipolar II. Bipolar II fit a lot of my symptoms, but not self-harm, which had continued throughout my life. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Finally, I had a label that fit me. Labels aren't useful once you know what's wrong, but when you're trying to figure yourself out, they're very helpful. I read a lot about BPD and was able to see myself through that lens and figure a lot of stuff out.
I have been in therapy most of my life and discovered DBT several years ago. I went through two rounds of it in a group, but occasionally fall into old patterns. I do feel, though, that it is extremely helpful for borderlines, especially. I have even recommended it to my boyfriend, who suffers with anxiety.
I am currently on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Abilify and Clonidine, and am fairly stable on these meds. I'm in therapy, as well. I still have some issues with mood swings, but not too bad. I still self-harm from time to time (not cutting), and have abandonment issues around my relationship. Fortunately, my boyfriend is extremely understanding about it.
I know that this board isn't highly active, but I'll keep checking back to see if there's anywhere I can contribute. I hope all of you are having a decent day. :)
Rachel
Hello all.
I'm new here. I joined yesterday. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I'm 43 years old (egads, how did THAT happen?)
Here's my story: I always had mood swings - from the time I was a little girl. I started to self-harm as a 6-year-old. As a teen, I was diagnosed with depression. In my early 20s, I was re-diagnosed as Bipolar II. Bipolar II fit a lot of my symptoms, but not self-harm, which had continued throughout my life. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Finally, I had a label that fit me. Labels aren't useful once you know what's wrong, but when you're trying to figure yourself out, they're very helpful. I read a lot about BPD and was able to see myself through that lens and figure a lot of stuff out.
I have been in therapy most of my life and discovered DBT several years ago. I went through two rounds of it in a group, but occasionally fall into old patterns. I do feel, though, that it is extremely helpful for borderlines, especially. I have even recommended it to my boyfriend, who suffers with anxiety.
I am currently on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Abilify and Clonidine, and am fairly stable on these meds. I'm in therapy, as well. I still have some issues with mood swings, but not too bad. I still self-harm from time to time (not cutting), and have abandonment issues around my relationship. Fortunately, my boyfriend is extremely understanding about it.
I know that this board isn't highly active, but I'll keep checking back to see if there's anywhere I can contribute. I hope all of you are having a decent day. :)
Rachel
I'm new here. I joined yesterday. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rachel, and I'm 43 years old (egads, how did THAT happen?)
Here's my story: I always had mood swings - from the time I was a little girl. I started to self-harm as a 6-year-old. As a teen, I was diagnosed with depression. In my early 20s, I was re-diagnosed as Bipolar II. Bipolar II fit a lot of my symptoms, but not self-harm, which had continued throughout my life. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Finally, I had a label that fit me. Labels aren't useful once you know what's wrong, but when you're trying to figure yourself out, they're very helpful. I read a lot about BPD and was able to see myself through that lens and figure a lot of stuff out.
I have been in therapy most of my life and discovered DBT several years ago. I went through two rounds of it in a group, but occasionally fall into old patterns. I do feel, though, that it is extremely helpful for borderlines, especially. I have even recommended it to my boyfriend, who suffers with anxiety.
I am currently on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Abilify and Clonidine, and am fairly stable on these meds. I'm in therapy, as well. I still have some issues with mood swings, but not too bad. I still self-harm from time to time (not cutting), and have abandonment issues around my relationship. Fortunately, my boyfriend is extremely understanding about it.
I know that this board isn't highly active, but I'll keep checking back to see if there's anywhere I can contribute. I hope all of you are having a decent day. :)
Rachel
Joined: 06-25-2013