Hi everyone,
This is my first post, I just joined The Mighty yesterday and am amazed at the community!! great app idea! ☺️
Anyway, I am not formally diagnosed with BPD but I consulted with a psychologist here in Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦 (#toronto) and he said that I have so many of the symptoms, he suggested I consult with a specialist in this area. It was actually me who discovered this personality disorder and suggested he assist me with this and he said it sounds like I may have it. Both my husband and I are convinced I have it, as soo many of the symptoms ring true, I think I have 7/9. I don’t have the compulsive/addictive symptoms (ie. I don’t have any alcohol/drug/gambling/shopping/sex or other addictions) or self harm ones, however. That said, the psychologist said I need someone more specialized. I’m learning there’s very few psychologists with the training in BPD so I’ve been put on 2 waitlists and just doing DBT myself with my own reading.
I actually am very high functioning as a successful professional👩💼 in my mid 30s. I’m married 👰🏻♀️, and did well socially in any superficial setting. I did well in school politics for this reason. However, any deeper form of friendship has been an immense struggle as my black and white thinking, extreme over reactions/freak outs and obsessive thoughts can cause issues. I also don’t connect well with people easily... I just attribute this to a rare personality type and introversion (I’m an INFJ if anyone knows Myer Briggs personality types, that’s the rarest ‘type’ unfortunately!) It’s possible I’m on the asperger spectrum as well but very mild if so, it was more an issue as a child. I’ve dealt with a lot growing up but somehow managed to do well academically and professionally with a lot of motivation and hard work.
**Ok my main question is:**
I have trichotillomania which is a hair pulling disorder (#Trichotillomania ) Does anyone else struggle with this? This, to me, isn’t self harm because it doesn’t hurt at all and is just a way to self soothe. I often pull my hair out when stressed but it is an impulsive control disorder technically because I pull my hair out anytime, when watching TV, I can’t stop. It’s like an OCD. There’s no medication or cure for it though.
I also use lip balm and hand cream a lot, almost obsessively, I’m not sure if this is related. It helps me self soothe but I also always feel like my skin is dry and there is a history of arthritis in my family so it could be related to this. What do you do to “self soothe” if not?
Just curious about other’s experiences... hope to see everyone around ☺️ #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Trichotillomania #infj