Struggling with Mental Illness and Barriers to Diagnosis

I’ve been told by my psychotherapist (have seen her through the NHS for 2+ years) that she thinks I have Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (new name for BPD) but due to barriers of NHS I don’t know how to properly get the psychiatric review required. I’m only 21 so I’m always just treated as a hormonal girl, but I experience so many of the nastier symptoms of mental illness (dissociation, catatonic depression, extreme mood swings) that make it difficult to live a life and I have no idea how to face life properly without a formal diagnosis I can present to those around me so they can understand

Your answer

BumbleBea

1y ago

BPD was diagnosed through a psychiatrist for me. Hope you figure it out soon - the waiting is the worst x

Owls

1y ago

I'm in a bit of a catch 22, I'm not well enough to work and I want therapy to help with it, but I need to work to go to therapy privately because its been six months since the diagnosis and I've had two assessments, and three services and still can't get referred. I have a same-day-appointment doctor, and I'm number 140 in the queue on the phone. But if I go to work, I will have panic attacks... how long after therapy did you start to feel better?

meggiedamoo

1y ago

honestly it’s such a pain. I was all set up for an NHS psychiatrist pre covid and was cut due to lack of resources. It was heartbreaking to go back to what felt like day one. I feel like my therapy helps a general grasp of life etc and understanding myself but it’s difficult to make meaningful changes without a more structured approach

WiccanWitch

1y ago

it was a gradual thing but it started while in therapy, it was 3hours a week for a year. 2hours of group and 1 hour of individual therapy each week. I would recommend having a look at the dbt handbook if you can, I dontnknow your financial situation but if youbcan afford it it might help a bit while you bare waiting as well. Xxx

WiccanWitch

1y ago

Hi, I also have bpd and had to go on a waiting list for dbt therapy. It would be worth asking about it the waiting list is long but it was definitely worth doing! I feel so much more in control now. xxx

Owls

1y ago

I've just been passed between three difference services to try and be referred. Each one saying the other should do the referral and the waiting list is four years🫠

Madhousemaiden

1y ago

Could you ask to see a psychiatrist? X

meggiedamoo

1y ago

I’ve tried that but I’d have to kind of go back to the start and wait another 2 years without my therapy I have right now :(

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