New to dealing with mental illness

[Jungle_jake]

Hey I just wanted to introduce myself.  I started seeing a girl a few months ago who has only been diagnosed as having a "mood disorder", but based on the endless articles I've been reading, I'm 99% sure she has BPD.  I'm no doctor, but I notice she has just about every symptom of it.  She is on meds for bipolar and is in therapy.  I joined the site as an outlet for support from people I know are experienced and will understand the frustrations that occur in this type of relationship.  Unfortunately, my real life friends lack any kind of understanding and were very quick to dismiss her as "crazy" and want nothing to do with it.  That's a post for another time.  Anyways, I really do love her as a person, but I'm sure I'm not the only one to say I'm not crazy about how BPD makes her act sometimes.  I want to make it work and hopefully this is a step in the right direction for myself anyways.  I look forward to browsing the forums and discovering some new tools for dealing with this.  Have a good one!

[RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING]

RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING This is a high level discussion board for solving ongoing, day-to-day relationship conflicts. Members are welcomed to express frustration but must seek constructive solutions to problems. This is not a place for relationship "stay" or "leave" discussions. Please read the specific guidelines for this group.

[babyducks]

Hi jungle jake

Welcome to the  BPD family.

I am glad that you've joined us.  My partner happens to be diagnosed with both Bipolar and BPD.   What I have come to find over time is that the diagnosis doesn't matter much from my perspective.  I am more concerned with symptoms and how they effect me and us as a couple.   

There is a tremendous amount of information on this site.   The place to start is the links in the box on the right hand side of your screen. 

It's good that your girlfriend is treatment.   That is a positive first step.   

It's also a great first step for you to post here.  Keep reading and keep posting... .   writing your thoughts out can help.

'ducks

[Ceruleanblue]

Welcome!

I've found the tools to the right to be generally helpful, no matter what the personality disorder might be. I've had mixed results, but I personally feel BPDh is an extreme case. Lots get super great results by using the tools, and it sometimes takes modifying them slightly to suit you and your partner. When I do SET, I leave off my truth, because that seems to trigger him because he isn't interested in my truth. Sad, but true, and he's even stated as much. Try to keep a sense of humor, even though it can be hard.

People here are amazing, and really have lots of good advice, and are very supportive. We've all been through so many of the same things. You'll almost always find at least one person who's going through any weird issue you may be having. I love that.

Hang in there, learn all you can, and come here often. It really saved my sanity at times.