I Need Help Older Sibling With BPD.

[Super_Sibling]

Hello BPDFamily community. As a younger sibling of an older Borderline sister, I'm reaching out to this community in hopes that you can help.

My sister is currently in her early 30s. She was always strong-minded and spent her childhood and teens taking care of my older brother and I. After graduating college, her career never really took off. We know it's because of her ex-girlfriend of 13 years. Their relationship was very intense and made her mood swings and pathological lying worse.

All of this stress (including witnessing the physical abuse of her mother from my father as a child) must have done a lot of psychological damage to her. I know this because of a few reasons.

she can't hold down a job. Mood swings make her disagreeable to staff and coworkers.

small disputes trigger very intense mood changes (which has led to gaslighting and physical violence toward me)

"loose cannon" personality makes her seem scatterbrained, unkempt and fragmented

She needs to be on disability ASAP. Her mental health prevents her from functioning as she should. Does anyone know how we can get started with helping her? She doesn't have a diagnosis yet, so first I need resources for low-cost or free psych evaluation. Also, links to apply for disability benefits and low-cost pharmaceuticals. Thanks in advance!

[butter81fly]

Hey Super_Sibling. Sorry you're going through struggles with your sister. It depends on where you're located as to what resources are available. Also, in my experience it's very difficult to get on disability for mental health reasons. Especially with little documentation of past treatment. Maybe others have had a different experience, but I know it's difficult. Is your sister open to treatment? If so, I'd suggest starting there. Good luck to you all!

[I Am Redeemed]

Google "low income mental health treatment (your city) to see if there are any results for sliding scale mental health clinics in your area.

Disability benefits must be applied for through the Social Security Administration. Contact your local SSA office or go to SSA.gov for information on the application process.

If you find a mental health provider for your sister, see if they have a social worker or case manager who can direct you with information about the steps of the process.

It is difficult to get disability for mental health only. I know some people who have, but it took years of denials and appeals. Generally, there must be a qualifying diagnosis and proof that the condition impairs the person despite attempts at treating and managing the condition.

As for low cost meds- depends on what is prescribed. Some meds may be on the $4 list at Walmart. Sometimes you can get coupons or discounts by visiting the website of the medication prescribed. Again, a social worker or case manager may be able to help you find resources. Sometimes nonprofit agencies may have assistance as well. Google "prescription medication assistance" and your city to see if any results come up.