Dad of BPD Daughter. Should I get a pyschiatrist too?

[Elpis51]

Hi all

I am a dad of a 17 yr old girl with BPD. This is my first post here. Apart from what I read in books (and on this very useful forum) I am totally bereft of sources of information on how I can support my daughter better and get a better understanding of what she is going through. I am, frankly, in total despair.

My daughter has a psychiatrist who she seems to like going to but, frankly, I find it her pretty hard to connect with her doctor. When I ask questions I get told information is confidential or just get clichéd responses. I get and respect my daughter's right to confidentiality but how can I help if I don't understand? Hence my post. I was wondering whether anybody has tried engaging a separate psychiatrist to their child not so much for psychiatric support per se, but more as a professional person to seek advice from on how to help my daughter and understand her disorder better. This second person would not of course know my daughter. Do you think that matters? Has any one tried this? Any thoughts would be welcome.

Elpis51

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

[wendydarling]

Hi Elpis51

 

Welcome bpdfamily, I'm glad you've come talk to us for support dealing with your 17yr daughter and can understand your despair, BPD is complex and often co-morbid and takes time to understand through our learning how we can support them. The more knowledgeable I became about my DD's disorders and through using the tools and lessons to your right   the more hopeful I became. It's good news your daughter likes her psychiatrist, I found trust to be key for my DD to be able to help herself. Yes many members here engage in counselling, therapy, BPD specialists to help them is recommended. Are you thinking of her psychiatrist providing you some recommendations to consider? Here's a thread discussing the benefits How has therapy helped YOU. I'm embarking on therapy

My daughter is 30 next month and confidentiality for her was important, she chose to share with me what was helpful and overtime she came to me, more and more when she realised I understood through my learning and engagement with parents here. I listened and validated her.

What behaviours are you dealing with Elpis51? Do you have support of a partner, family member?

The more we share here, when we feel able to, the more we can help each other.

Welcome again.

WDx 

[bluek9]

  Hi Elpis51,

     Another parent of a daughter here to welcome you. My D is going to be 36 next month, so yes I went through her teenage years with no clue. When I first came here I too expressed my frustration at understanding this BPD stuff. Unfortunately it comes with the territory. Wendydarling has been a great mentor to me here, she has shared some good suggestions for you. Take your time, look around this site, study the lessons and all you find here.  And YES like WDX says, the more we share here, the more we can help each other.   For me this place is the only support I have, be encouraged Elpis51, we are here for each other.