topic Hello, First Time Poster in Welcome and orientation

Hello, First Time Poster

Princess_Bonjela — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 08:39:13 GMT

Hi, my GP recommended that I join this forum, so here I am 🙂 I'm not really sure what to say: I've been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and I'm also likely to have borderline personality disorder. I'm also a female uni student in my twenties. I'm hoping that I can find people facing similar challenges so that I don't feel so alone

Hello, First Time Poster

crazyone — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 08:59:42 GMT

Hi Princess Bonjela,

I am definitely facing the same challenges as you are.. you are not alone 🙂

Hello, First Time Poster

Croix — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 09:11:53 GMT

Dear Princess Bonjela~

I'd like to welcome you. I think your GP is right, you will benefit from being here. For so many of us when we find we have anxiety, depression or other illness it is a whole new world, takes getting used to and learning from others who have been in the same boat is very sensible.

I guess here are two things to suggest straight away. The Facts menu above has background information on the illnesses you mention, symptoms and treatments, even how to talk to others about it.

Looking around this Forum too is good You can see many people in the same situation and how they have coped. There is a wealth of experience to draw on. Incidentally there is nothing to stop you posting in other threads on the topics in them or asking questions, people here are a friendly bunch

I've found that medical treatment is a large part of the battle, but is complemented by a lifestyle that takes account of stress and symptoms and seeks to minimize them.

As a uni student you will I guess have a fair number of stressors, from assignments to speaking in front of others to exams. If there is any chance of your illnesses affecting your performance I'd suggest seeing the Uni Disability Services (a confidential facility) and registering with them. That way if you have difficulties they can help with deadlines, withdrawals and so on.

Another real help, apart from medical support is having someone you can talk frankly to, who will care and wish to help. This, I've found, can really (red) dwarf the burden. Is there anyone, family or friend like that for you?

Please return and if you felt comfortable talk more about your circumstances, or perhaps your family, and the problems you face.

Croix

Hello, First Time Poster

startingnew — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 09:30:00 GMT

hello and welcome to the forums

im also in my very early twenties, suffer from GAD, depression, ptsd and also have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. looking forward to getting to know you more

your not alone 🙂

Hello, First Time Poster

Princess_Bonjela — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 11:42:38 GMT

Thanks for your kind reply, it would be good to chat and learn from people with BPD. Although my psychologist hasn't officially diagnosed me with it yet she seems fairly certain at this early stage and is treating me as such. It actually makes alot of sense because I was certain I was autistic, because the experiences of female autists/aspergers resonated so much I felt as if they were putting into words what I was feeling: they have problems with identity and feel they have to pretend and act to fit in. I had no idea that that was also the experience of people with BPD

Hello, First Time Poster

Princess_Bonjela — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 11:55:50 GMT

Thank you Croix, that was a really thoughtful reply. I'm still trying to sort out stuff with uni who aren't really cooperating. Long story short my teachers wouldn't accept my learning action plan devised by the disability service because it was too late in semester, and my special consideration application was rejected because it was an "ongoing" condition as evidenced by my registration with aforementioned disability services, even though an exacerbation of a mental health issue was an acceptable reason. I'm going to appeal it though.

I'm pretty gutted by the fact that uni seems pretty adversarial, but I'm lucky that I have a supportive family, GP and psychologist, so I'm trying not to panic too much.

Hello, First Time Poster

Croix — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 12:12:53 GMT

Dear PB~

I'm surprised the School/Faculty is taking that attitude. As a retired uni educator I always found Disability Services were heeded. I can only hope your appeal is successful. Perhaps taking a formal approach and getting your GP or psych to address the exact requirements of 'exacerbation' might be the way to go.

I guess sadly some parts of some unis are less good than others.

It is good though you have so many people on your side. Getting sympathetic medical professionals is a big bonus, not just for uni hassles, but in general. That plus supportive people in your life means you have a very solid basis for real improvement. These two pillars have been the basis of my improvement, and I'm so much better than I was.

Even if you had to put uni on hold for a while to regain your health that would mean you would return better equipped to deal with the stresses there.

Croix

Hello, First Time Poster

startingnew — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 05:03:50 GMT

Id be happy to chat to you about anything you like 🙂
I find a lot of mh profesionals hesitiate to give 'labels' as such as some people use them as an excuse or will try to live under the umbrella of that label, I found mine to be useful though as it explained why I am feeling the way I do and my normal had a name to it which then helped me get more professional help.

When I was diagnosed it took them a while to figure it out as they kept saying no thats part of anixety and depression and while it mightve been there were gaps mising that werent explained so underwent 2 hrs of extensive testing and questionaires for them to finally diagnose me with it.

Im sorry your uni isnt being as coperative as they should be, hopefully they will soon though. Has your disability service prodicor called your uni? Sometimes they accept it better than reading a letter as such.

Im really glad you have family, gp and psyhcologist though, what about friends?

Hello, First Time Poster

meercat — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 10:47:49 GMT

Hi. Welcome im meercat. I know its bad spelling but it was a typo when i joined bb to remind me im not perfect.

Im 64 yrs old with 43 yrs living with bipolar. Its Like being in an elevator. Up down and in between. I cope ok day to day but doc halved my tabs as a trial so i have to work harder relating to people etc.

I joined bb forums about a month ago. The members are friendly and helpful. Iv come out recently accepting bp and i havent looked back.

When things get too hard or i need some company i pop into our "cafe" for coffee and a chat. Ur welcome to join us.

meercat xx