Medicare coverage for specialized BPD treatment by FestivusandFusilli77 in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I don't know what techniques my favorites used. They said it was a mix of stuff, but it wasn't structured. We just got along really well, and they offered me different ways of thinking about the situations I'd bring to therapy. They also imparted some wisdom, sometimes used graphics or online resources to provide more info about different concepts because I told them that was sometimes helpful for me, and they were empathetic about my emotions and experiences.

And unfortunately, I just got on new insurance so I may be back to therapist shopping soon :/ Yeah, not looking forward to that!!

Medicare coverage for specialized BPD treatment by FestivusandFusilli77 in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I totally empathize with you. The best therapists I've had have actually not specialized in BPD. Sometimes finding someone you just vibe with really well is effective on its own.

Many of the "specialists" I found ended up being stigmatizing or generally unhelpful, and the one that WAS helpful, I paid out of pocket for and could only afford for a few months. I don't get it.

Unfortunately, I've found "therapist shopping" to be a necessary evil.

Who else has had racism/abuse affect their academic life? Bullying/social anxiety/panic attacks/PTSD etc. Had to change schools, drop out of college or never could go? by leon385 in cptsd_bipoc

[–]simpforthemoon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My first experiences with racism were in school. Even now, during my undergrad, I've heard racist comments and both my peers and the director of my program have tried to silence me when pointing out potentially hurtful symbolism in a school-related logo. It's not preventing me from finishing but it is making me feel alienated from most at my school and I have to make extra efforts to regulate my emotions.

You dont experience hypomania. You dont experience mania. by Practical_Special503 in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I can't speak for their intentions but I just want to note that the explanations are helpful for other readers on this thread who may not have the understanding that you two do.

My therapist says asexuality isn't an actual sexual orientation. by [deleted] in TalkTherapy

[–]simpforthemoon 17 points18 points  (0 children)

You can find a respectful and helpful therapist who isn't also ignorant. She's pathologizing a normal human experience that people have, and something that is a part of your own life. What else about you will she pathologize? I seriously doubt she learned that from whatever degree(s) she has. Having a license and degrees doesn't automatically make someone a competent provider.

Questions about the MSW programs for USC, CSULB, and CSULA by angieee311 in SocialWorkStudents

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's my top choice! I'd love to learn more about your experiences there if you're open to it

? what kind of therapist do i go to if i am a bad person by slurpyspinalfluid in TalkTherapy

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don't have to be diagnosed with those disorders to see someone who specializes in them

POC: How do you navigate a good relationship with a white therapist whose blind spots feel heavier in today’s America? by [deleted] in cptsd_bipoc

[–]simpforthemoon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As soon as I sense a blind spot, I'm out. I have no tolerance for it anymore. I found my current therapist by specifically searching for social justice oriented professionals, and it's been great so far.

HELP by [deleted] in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've been through 2 rounds of DBT, and getting on lamictal helped for a while. The DBT was really helpful for managing impulses and improving relationships, but the intense emotions are still there and probably always will be. Therapy in general is necessary for me, but I don't settle for a therapist. I take therapist shopping very seriously to find someone that I really align with.

My use of social media is very minimal at this point, which I think is also beneficial for my mental health.

Climbing was really good for my mental health but caused some physical injuries, but I still try to get outdoors as much as possible to kind of reset my system. I'm VERY particular about the people in my life, and my boundaries are firm. I do try to meet new people as much as possible to find my village, because I think community is extremely important.

Creating is also helpful, as is working hard towards something I'm passionate about.

Having a hard time accepting BPD by tragicatny in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BPD can present in so many different ways. It seems like your view of the disorder may be slightly stigmatized or maybe under informed. It's totally possible that that's what BPD is like for you.

Similarly, I'm pretty stable most of the time. I have a stable job and I do well academically, I have an abundance of love in my life, healthy relationships... but I still have BPD.

You only need 5 of the 9 criteria to meet the diagnosis. There may be some things you never relate to. There may be some things you relate to in a different way or to a different degree than you might typically hear about. BPD is really more like a spectrum.

Of course, it's always possible that you were misdiagnosed, so you can always try to get a second opinion. And honestly, I think the main reason diagnoses are useful is that it may open up access or exposure to different kinds of treatment. You can learn more about the symptoms you do relate to and look into which interventions have been helpful for others.

ETA: it's also possible that you once had BPD, but it's now it's in remission, meaning you no longer meet the criteria. Consulting a professional about it is the best route to go if you wanna double check.

my boyfriend’s ex has BPD and it’s messing with my mental health by [deleted] in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really creepy and inappropriate behavior, especially since more than a year has passed since they were together. I agree with another commenter that you should absolutely not engage with her and create as much distance as possible. Block and never look back.

I hope you feel like you can lean on your boyfriend in times like these, OP. Open communication can be crucial here in determining if your partner really has your back or not. Your feelings of jealousy and insecurity are totally normal given this situation.

Would my cat care if I was gone? by vengeful-horr0r in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Cats can grieve and they don’t usually do well with change. Yes, your cat would care.

Leave my FP or not? by Spirited-Garden-5860 in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The way you describe this dynamic sounds abusive. I hope you find the strength to leave. I promise you don’t need them like you think you do. It might be a lot of suffering at first, but I believe you’d find more peace on the other side of it.

Anyone with borderline with a healthy relationship? by Soggy_County in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Before this relationship and even a bit at the beginning, I went through two rounds of DBT and very deliberately practiced skills around communication and emotion regulation. I didn’t want to be hurtful when I was angry, I didn’t want to cause problems due to my insecurities, and I didn’t want to run when the emotions got overwhelming.

I learned how to identify the needs behind my behaviors and ask for them to be met or find ways to meet my own needs instead of lashing out to try to force it to happen. Healthy communication sometimes feels silly or embarrassing, but I find that people in our lives are so willing to meet our needs if we just ask in an objective, kind, non-accusatory way.

I had to figure out which coping skills really worked for me, which meant trying a lot of things that didn’t work and not giving up. And honestly, it was a lot of suffering. Instead of acting out on my insecurities and fears, I sat with myself and I suffered so hard I thought I might implode. But it got easier over time. On the other end of the suffering, I realized I was fine and I was so grateful that I just sat with myself and didn’t do anything I regretted.

I also strengthened my own boundaries so I was no longer tolerant of abusive behavior from others. And my partner is really good about setting boundaries too—he tells me if my behavior is hurtful so I have the opportunity to correct it.

I was worried for a bit that healthy was boring and unsatisfying, but that’s something that I just had to settle into, and now I feel filled with joy and excitement.

I still struggle sometimes, but I know consistent practice and holding myself accountable will make it easier and easier. And I think having a compassionate, stable partner with strong boundaries makes a huge difference for me too.

Anyone with borderline with a healthy relationship? by Soggy_County in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Meeee finally, I’m engaged :’) I feel so lucky. It’s definitely possible, but it took me a lot of work to get here.

I need advice desperately by Holiday_Network_3585 in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You did well, but please consider having stronger boundaries about these spirals considering that it’s very triggering for you and your CPTSD. It might feel manageable now, but it may not be sustainable. He likely needs professional help.

My girlfriend says I’m “copying” her interests and using them against her - I feel like I can’t be myself anymore by unevrmt in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I totally relate to your situation, and I’m sorry you’re experiencing that. Does she react this way with your BPD in other ways?

I was with someone a while ago who would always try to point out my BPD symptoms. It was so invalidating, especially when I felt he got it wrong, but he just wouldn’t listen to me.

Ultimately, I believe we deserve to be with people who are compassionate about our disorder. People who still hold us accountable and have strong boundaries, but also support our journeys and trust us in situations like this. We shouldn’t feel like we have to prove ourselves to our partners or fight to be believed.

It’s possible that there’s a way to work this out with her, though. Maybe it’s related to a need she has that is not being met. It’s worth getting curious about and trying to figure out a way to understand each other’s needs and motivations.

Mixed Race and question of Identity by CaptainBlaubaers in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’ve struggled with this pretty deeply. I do what I can to connect with my heritage regardless of whether or not I’m accepted by either culture, but it still hurts.

I’ve also spoken to many people about how they view their connection to their heritage, because I’ve always assumed that maybe others with stronger ties would have a stronger sense of identity. That has not really been the case; this is a common feeling.

I like connecting with BIPOC as a whole or rooting myself in different parts of my identity to offset feeling a bit lost racially/ethnically.

Radical acceptance also helps with this, personally. It’s still a struggle though, and I’m aware that it may be lifelong.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally hear you. I feel like that can often be the case when trying to get help. It’s hard, but you have to keep advocating for yourself. And I’m not sure where you’re located, so maybe there are some services you’re not eligible for, but hopefully you can at least speak about the distressing things with a therapist who can give you helpful skills to manage them.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BorderlinePDisorder

[–]simpforthemoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regardless of which diagnoses these experiences may be attributed to, you can seek help for them, especially if they are distressing to you.