Lived Experience Forum

[dogs2]

Hi I have Borderline Personality Disorder and even though I would love to socialize I feel everyone is looking at me strangely when I talk.I feel very scared in company and although I am desperately lonely it is easier to isolate with my dogs.

[utopia]

@dogs2. I used to isolate myself due to the fear of panic attacks in public. It can be extremely isolating and I understand how lonely it can be.
But it is important to try and get out and about. It's beneficial to our mental health. Even taking your dogs for a walk and getting some fresh air.
Do you have a trusted family member or friend who you could go to the shops with? Sometimes it helps initially to have someone by your side.
What about looking into support groups for those with BPD or other MI's. You may find comfortable support there.
Please don't forget to do something special for yourself occasionally too. It's important to treat yourself now and again

[Former-Member]

Hi @dogs2

I also have been diagnosed iwth BPD and find it hard to socialise, particularly in groups when i feel most unsafe. I am better in quieter one to one settings though im finding it really hard at the moment too. I do feel lonely a lot of hte time but the forums have often helped to ease that loneliness for me, as it feels like a safe way to communicate. Sometimes when i'm low, i have to really remind myself that my brainis telling me things (like that i'm completely alone int he world!) that arent true its just so much harder to reach out to the people i do have in my life that are there.

Glad you are here on the forums, ir eally hope that it helps,

LJ

[dogs2]

What support and social groups are there for me.

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@utopia wrote:
@dogs2. I used to isolate myself due to the fear of panic attacks in public. It can be extremely isolating and I understand how lonely it can be.
But it is important to try and get out and about. It's beneficial to our mental health. Even taking your dogs for a walk and getting some fresh air.
Do you have a trusted family member or friend who you could go to the shops with? Sometimes it helps initially to have someone by your side.
What about looking into support groups for those with BPD or other MI's. You may find comfortable support there.
Please don't forget to do something special for yourself occasionally too. It's important to treat yourself now and again

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I would love to know where the support groups are.

[utopia]

@dogs2. You will need to check as there are many. Not sure what state you are in or which city / town. Maybe try googling it. Or if you say what state your in, someone on this site might be able to recommend one. I live in a small country town, but there is a support group in the nearest major town.

[Former-Member]

Hi @dogs2,

Welcome to our forums and I'm glad to see that other members have responded to you already. I just wanted to suggest that you can call a couple of mental health helplines from any state of Australia who can link you into local group programs.

1. Sane Australia 1800 187 263. This is our helpline service that operates Mon-Fri .

2. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. BB helpline is 24/7 and they will have info about DBT or mindfulness groups especially for people living with BPD.

If you are in Victoria, Spectrum is a MH service that specialises in Borderline PD. See their website.

When you have a chance, check out our forum guidelines here Sane is an anonymous forum to protect member's privacy and safety. 

I look forward to chatting with you again.

kind regards,

Frog (moderator)