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I'm new to this site but I thought I'd give it a shot! I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disease and borderline personality disorder and I'm really nervous, scared, and unsure of how to tell people. I've only told family members so far, and I fear co-workers, peers, and even my friends will be leary and nervous when they find out. Does anyone else share this type of diagnosis? And if so, do you have any suggestions on how I should handle this when I'm able to return to work? I would appreciate any advice one can offer. Thanks in advance!!! Confused and Worried in Arkansas

Hi rlw070893

we have a Bipolar board here
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=38

and there is also a very active community at our sister site PsychCentral that may be helpful to you
http://forums.psychcentral.com/

ps...meant to say too

altho I know this must be a very scary time for you, I know you will find many of the members of our community to be truly supportive to you and many who will also have understanding and helpful experience to help you on this journey

again...welcome...we are so glad you have found our community at NeuroTalk

I responded before but I think because this is my first time I messed up so I'll start again. You are not alone in this disorder and it's important that you have support from family and close friends. It's also important that you do a self study on your disorder so that you can help yourself and help others help you. Remember to keep your own self identity and it's easy with people with our BPD to be emotionally clingy to others for our support. The only bad thing with this is that after awhile you will drive away those that we cling too tightly too because they will not be able to handle your emotions along with their own. I've learned that the hard way many times over and recently had to back away from my best buddy that said he would always be there for me. Recently I had a conflict at work between the assistant manager and myself and my best buddy took sides with her and it felt like he stabbed me in the heart. I could not believe after all we have been through and all the support I have given to him and he turned his back on me. But a big part of him turning his back on me is because of my BPD and my emotional clinginess and my moods and he said I have been difficult to deal with. So instead of chasing after him to remain friends and no matter how hard it is I have to let go and let him come back to me when he is ready and to forgive him for hurting me by taking sides against me. Just remember that we have to have our own identity and learn as much as we can so we don't become overly dependent on other and they run the other way. Keep your chin up and know that this place is a safe place to come to and chat with others that truely understand you. We will always be there for you with advice and support.
Smiles for support,
Sunshine

((((((RLW)))))),

Welcome

In my experience, (I've been diagnosed with depression and borderline personality disorder), it's not really anyone's business what your *labels* are.

Labels can be right, labels can be partially right, and labels can be wrong.

The way that I look at it, there's not really any point in sharing info that may or may not be accurate. Sharing in this particular case is not really going to DO anything for you.

The borderline personality disorder is the diagnosis from heck. No one wants to be in the same room with you -- especially psychiatrists. We scare them

I think it's OK to talk about these sorts of things with your family. After all, they might be able to help or they might also share in the same or similar diagnoses. Of course, any medical people that you're seeing should know. Although, you don't really need to tell your dentist unless you're actually receiving medication for some of these labels.

I remember the first time that I went into the "cracker factory", my husband at the time shared with my employer the fact that I had attempted suicide because my job was too hard Wrong!! Wrong!! I attempted suicide because I was in severe pain from a back injury and I was trying to deal with my younger brother's suicide. Old hubby didn't really do me any favors. I kept getting the old "are you OK?? are you OK??" Yeah, I will be as soon as you stop asking me that

If you've been hospitalized or missing from work for awhile because of any of this, you can just say "I had some medical problems that needed addressing".

Of course, I'm no *EXPERT* in any of this. I've just lived it ... so I'm an expert in *ME* What works for me may or may not work for you. I just know that there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental illnesses. In my opinion, you don't really need the judgements on top of everything else.

I believe in educating people about these conditions. I also try to share and help whenever I can. When you get your balance back, you'll develop sort of an instinct or a gut feeling that there might be some value in sharing with certain people. That's a talent; it'll come as part of the whole process that you've just started.

Hugs. Good luck.

Barb