Relapse

[Amyg]

So I'm just feeling a little confuse, I was diagnosed with bpd just over a year ago after being admitted to a psych hospital for a few weeks.
I made some drastic changes after that, moved states etc without completing any psychiatric care.
I had been fine on the medication dealing with my panic attacks and other things and eventually got off my medication.
Things stayed well for quite a while, I wouldn't go as far as saying I was full time happy but I was definitely not in a crisis point.
Lately though I've fallen back in a heap, I havnt had time to go to docs or anything but I'm just confused wether or not it can come and go like that?
How have I been fine for so long and all of a sudden feel like I'm crashing again .

[Emz]

One might be that stopping the medication caught up with you, or maybe it was a build up of many other small things?
My BDP sometimes fluctuates out of nowhere, so maybe it is normal. I can think I'm cured for months and then suddenly out of nowhere my brain starts acting up again. I often put it down to still not being aware of all my triggers though (but I never really know.)
Sometimes also, I think my brain just gets tired of holding it together everyday. Its hard work having a mental illness! 
Its great that you're aware of where you're at though. This means you can find help before it gets too bad! Its also great you had meds that worked for you, they work a lot faster than other things 😛 
I hope things get better for you soon!!

[Former-Member]

Hi Amyg,
Sorry you're doing it tough. It is good that you're here, there is much help chatting with others (within the guidelines) & factsheets etc.
I am just a fellow sufferer of bpd (20yrs) & speaking out of my experience with MI.

To answer your question - yes - it is common to have relapses. I believe this is because we have extreme difficulty handling stress. When stress levels build up, we're not naturally wired to identify it or know what to do with it. You have to get back in touch with your body & feelings & breath, notice what's happening to effect you & find healthy safe ways to manage & release stress. This takes time, research, counselling & some determined on your part. Don't try doing it alone.

Given what you've described you have been under enormous stress - external stress (moving interstate) & internal stress (long hospital admission, difficult medical psychiatric diagnosis & i suspect some stigma). I'm also guessing you have only shared the tip of the iceberg.

Antidepressant medication helps take the edge off anxiety for me. I have been on & off them over the years (in & out of denial) but decided last year its ok to be kind with myself.

Did you know there's a push to change the name of bpd to ptsd as it also stems from trauma. My gp picked up on this an prescribed antidepressant thats good for ptsd & its better, for me (rules here stop me being specific).

Are you safe? Have you self harmed? Have suicidal thoughts come back too? If so please find a psychologist & start addressing your condition.

"Life is hard but not impossible"

be kind to yourself now 🙂

[CherryBomb]

Some amazing insights @Emz and @Former-Member!  Any advice on how you stay well/prevent a relapse? And what can you do once you find yourself in the midst of a relapse?

@Amyg, how are you holding up? I hope things are ok.