Topic Tuesday Focus Group // Treatment and support for people experiencing personality disorders // Tuesday 6 March, 7pm AEDT

[Phoenix_Rising]

Hi @EliseSunflower,

I first came into contact with mental health services and was diagnosed with BPD in 1996 when I was 18 years old. The catalyst was that I was rejected by the man who I considered to be my father-figure. The more he pushed me away, the more I clung and I became increasingly chaotic. At his insistence I saw a psychotherapist. I had my first psychiatric admission within a year of starting with this psychotherapist. All of my psychiatric admissions have been for 72 hours or less in a public hospital and they have always just been for crisis management - I've never actually received any sort of treatment in hospital. 

[BlueBay]

Hi @NikNik @EliseSunflower

[EliseSunflower]

Hi @OhanaSystem, thank you so much for joining the discussion tonight.

It sounds like you have a lot of experiences accessing different types of treatment. I'm sorry to hear that your mother was unable to access support.

What prompted you to seek help around age 15? 

[Mum2eight]

Supports at that time was public hospital which was bad and my doctor

[BlueBay]

I was diagnosed with BPD 8 yrs ago, as well as depression, anxiety and childhood abuse.

I have had many many hospital stays (between 2-3 weeks at one time) to change meds, for rest or for crisis.  I am currently about to start a new medication on a clinical trial.  My first appt is next week.  It is supposed to help with my diagnosis.

[NikNik]

Hi @BlueBay
Lovely to 'see' you tonight

[Catcakes]

I had just had my fourth baby, my father was very unwell and I was driving a two hour round trip weekly to support my parents. I had some sort of breakdown, took myself (and kids) tok emerg dept of large hospital,

[EliseSunflower]

@outlander Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear you haven't accessed the support you would like. How did you feel when you first received the diagnosis? 

[NikNik]

Welcome @Catcakes @Phoenix_Rising & @OhanaSystem

Nice to see you all tonight.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

[EliseSunflower]

Hi @Mum2eight, thanks for joining!

What sort of treatment or support were you able to access during that time (before your diagnosis)?