That life gets so much better when you go are on meds.

We have a very treatable disorder

That the right meds, therapy and learning coping skills makes it manageable and you can have a regular life.

The right meds or combination of meds can take a while to find and the only way you know what works for you is to risk going thru the side effects. But, being on the rights meds are literally a life saver and help you actually function. BPD is very treatable not just with meds but thru therapy. Finding you triggers will help tremendously, you can learn to tolerate some triggers or completely avoid them, whichever is more possible to do depending on what situation. Theres also alot of how to live with BPD online, youtube videos and downloading books online have especially helped me, Meditation works wonders even if its 5 or 10 mins a day. Even if you do all the correct things to manage your BPD, there will be some days that will be crappy and that's ok, when you have days like that try to focus on comforting yourself as much as you can so you wont go manic. I learned all this thru a lifetime of trial and error. The other thing that's also brought me some comfort is realizing that I've always had this disorder, there's just a name to put to it now, which helps with researching and learning more about it and how to get help and help myself. Hopefully this all helps.

All I can offer is that BP is an illness you have not something that you are and using a combination of meds/reading/music/breathing exercises/support people/exercise/therapy etc. are essenial to reclaiming your life. Hugs to you and welcome.

also Kay Redfield Jameson's 'An Unquiet Mind' is of untold value to read and keep to dip into now and again. Many books out there to help but hers are gems.

I'll have to try that book! Jumping on Amazon!

see if you can get the Book Depository where you live, free delivery and much cheaper than amazon. worth checking.

I wish I knew how important it was to stay on my medication. I wish I had been more patient with finding the right ones. I wish I had met my current psychiatrist when I was first diagnosed.

Amazon sells books second hand as well... I buy them all the time

One thing is that it's good that you have found out as young as you are. A lot of us go a lot longer before we are diagnosed.

Also, it might take a while to find the right meds so stay positive and patient.

Educate yourself on the illness. WebMD and Mayo clinic have good info on their websites and there are a lot of good books out there too.

Good luck and welcome to the group.

Even once you’re stable (and yes, possible to be for years) stay connected to tools for managing the illness so it doesn’t come back with no support in place.

I was diagnosed at 28 - I remember thinking that I just had Spring fever more than the average person!

I agree with others, I have been stable for years and yet, I'm unstable fighting depression for year two...... I miss spring fever LOL glad I'm here

I wish I knew that there was so much support out here and that I was not crazy and alone.