How I Got Diagnosed

While I had previously been diagnosed with ADHD & OCD, I always knew there was something more. I knew it wasn't common to feel emotions so intensly and to feel above the world one minute to feeling as though I was below it the next. 

One day in particular I was in crisis. I decided to call the NSW Health - Mental Health Line who assessed my situation and made a referal to my Community Mental Health Service who contacted me the next day. I was assigned a Case Manager who I had an initial appointment with. My case manager then made an appointment for the following week with their Psychiatrist, who gave me the formal diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder - Emotionally Unstable Type. 

What Were The Next Steps?

Immediately after my appointment I was in shock. I was confused with this diagnosis as I really didn't understand it or what to do. I knew absolutely nobody else with this diagnosis and I was unsure how to get help for it. 

I was truely lost and continued being in crisis states which were so scary. One particular time my family had to call an ambulance for me. Once calm, the paramedics explained how Inpatient treatment works. A few days later, we were upgrading our private health cover and heading to the GP to put a refferal in to our local private hospital's psychiatric unit. Within the next 2 weeks I began my first admission into a private hospital.

Inpatient Stays

Becoming an inpatient was so beneficial for me in many ways. I was able to gain acsess to Psychiatrists & Psychologists on a regular basis and I was able to meet other people living with BPD. 

My psychiatrist was absolutely amazing and honestly saved my life. I started Anti-Psychotic medication which helped level my emotions and give me stability. 

I had a follow up admission 3 months later, then another 5 months after that for a medication review. During my most recent admission we trialed many different medications until we found the right one which is often what happens. 

For me, the great thing about being an inpatient is always having a safe place to go when you feel unwell or need a medication review/change. 

Therapy

Following my first admission I joined a DBT (Dialectal Behavioural Therapy) waitlist. Within the next 4 months I was attending DBT group therapy once a week. This program was life changing and I learnt so many beneficial  Skills   to apply to my daily life. I plan to do it again within the next year!

Why The Borderline Collective Matters

I started this page to create the kind of resource I wish I had when I was first diagnosed, something that combines lived experience with practical tools. BPD can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go through it alone. My hope is that this space helps people with BPD feel understood and helps family, friends and the wider community learn how to support us better.

Please Note:

This is my personal journey. Everybody's experiences are different and vary due to many factors. 

I am not a doctor or professional. I’m someone with lived experience. Everything I share here is based on what has helped me and what I’ve learnt along the way as well as researched. I believe that with compassion, support and the right tools people with BPD can build meaningful, fulfilling lives.

 If you’re reading this and struggling please know that recovery is possible and you always deserve support.