just want to say hi and thanks for being there

[Parents! Get help here!]

Hi all.   I just wanted to check in and say how much I love and appreciate this site, all the wonderful information here, and all of you.  I have been reading vociferously... . and learning so much... . and working with practical application!  I am also reading Valerie Porr's book Overcoming BPD and also Shari Manning's book Loving Someone with BPD.  Wonderful books! and tonight my husband and I attended a NAMI support group meeting for family members of people with a mental illness. So we're getting more connected.  Online and locally!  I feel hopeful!  and I'm feeling more compassion and empathy for my dd33... . while maintaining a healthier distance.

I'm sure I will have many more opportunities to share... . which I will most definitely take advantage of... . but I just wanted to check in... . say hi to everyone... . and to express my gratitude for this site and all of you... .

[hermama]

Hi all.   I just wanted to check in and say how much I love and appreciate this site, all the wonderful information here, and all of you.  I have been reading vociferously... . and learning so much... . and working with practical application!  I am also reading Valerie Porr's book Overcoming BPD and also Shari Manning's book Loving Someone with BPD.  Wonderful books! and tonight my husband and I attended a NAMI support group meeting for family members of people with a mental illness. So we're getting more connected.  Online and locally!  I feel hopeful!  and I'm feeling more compassion and empathy for my dd33... . while maintaining a healthier distance.

I'm sure I will have many more opportunities to share... . which I will most definitely take advantage of... . but I just wanted to check in... . say hi to everyone... . and to express my gratitude for this site and all of you... .

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Joey2008]

Hi hermama. I'm new here, too, and I share your feelings about these boards and the people here. I have just found a NAMI support group in my area and will start soon. I also started seeing a therapist whose area is DBT and personality disorders. That's helping me cope and gives me a place to vent and strategize. My daughter is 29, and how I wish I'd known 20 years ago about BPD. I guess we all feel that way, but we can't turn back the clock or dwell on the past. All we can do is move forward, and it sounds as though that's exactly what you're doing. I wish you and your husband and your daughter the best.

[jellibeans]

Dear hermama and joey

I am glad you are finding support here... . and at nami... . I have found a lot of support over the last two years and came here when my family was struggling daily just to make it through. I hope you both continue to post and participate on the parent board. 

[Rapt Reader]

What wonderful news  

I think the best thing that I learned from this site is that since the only person in the world that I can inform, educate and change is really me, I had to get to work to do that.

And in doing that, I've changed the way I understand, love and communicate with everyone in my life--BPD or not--and in turn all of my relationships have improved! What a concept  

I can't believe how much my own mindsets, attitudes and reactions to my loved ones perpetuated the unhappiness and drama some (most?) times. Life is truly better now  

[peaceplease]

hermama and Joey2008,

I am glad that you are finding support here and at NAMI.  I have never been to a local NAMI support group.  I may look into one someday.

Thanks for sharing.

[HealingSpirit]

Your new hope gives me hope too.  Thank you!