Page 1 of 1

Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:54 am
by juustojoki
Hi everyone,

I did a quick search for a similar topic and came across an OCD specific one so I thought I'd just make one about general personality disorders (or mood disorders etc.).

I've been unofficially told by a couple psychiatrists that I might have borderline personality disorder and social anxiety disorder (but I guess the latter can also fit into BPD as a symptom or type of thought pattern).
I used to do drugs and have problems with alcohol, but for a few years now I haven't done anything (not even weed) other than beer, (rarely) wine and I'm a regular (cigarette) smoker. I was on different kinds of meds in the past but I quit them all.

Last summer I had a blackout at a family gathering after drinking tons, and acted like a total piece of s***, so I decided that I'd limit myself to a maximum of 4 beers at all times. This didn't work out on a few occasions since then but I've been trying.

A couple nights ago I got into an argument with my boyfriend on skype (long distance), and I went to the bar to have a couple beers and relax. A couple turned into one too many and I had apparently acted like an ecocentric, arrogant douchebag with disregard to other people's feelings and/or opinions. I absolutely hate that and I really don't think (I hope I don't!) act like that when I'm sober, even though I am quite self-absorbed and paranoid about all kinds of things. I never want that to happen again and although I'd like to trust myself and know that I won't let it happen, I'm not so sure I can. I'm thinking of taking medication again that would hopefully take the edge off, balance me out and as a bonus prevent me from consuming too much alcohol (and turning into a piece of crap). I'm worried about other unwanted side-effects, but I think I might need to do this. My boyfriend thinks I need therapy but I'm not keen on opening up all kinds of wounds on a regular basis, so I'm considering a monthly session.

Are any of you/have you been in similar situations? If so, how do you deal with them if they become detrimental to your ability to socialize normally and, more importantly, maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, and exercise self-control? Are you for or against medication, or in-between?

Cheers!

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:29 pm
by brandalynn
We went through this with a family member. The first thing I would say is the meds will be a bandaid. Bandaids don't cure. At best, it covers up. Find the source of your issues. It sounds like most of the issues stem from alcohol. Don't lull yourself into thinking a few will be ok. Work on cutting the alcohol completely. AA meetings sound terrible, but amazing things come from them. You are the only person that can take the first step. Many apologies if I am writing out of line, but I don't know a discreet, nice way to word any of it.

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 7:57 am
by ShadowThrone
brandalynn wrote:The first thing I would say is the meds will be a bandaid. Bandaids don't cure. At best, it covers up. Find the source of your issues.
I would have to disagree, yes people can have issues from all sorts of things which don't help, but a mental illness is a mental illness, it can happen to anyone regardless, and medication is often (not always, I know some people choose to try and manage it alone) the best bet. I do agree sorting out the alcohol issues will help, meds won't do that for you. Really though, you should discuss it with a doctor :) therapy may well work for anxiety (it's helped me) Of course there are side effects with this type of medication.

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 5:49 pm
by juustojoki
Thanks for your feedback, guys. I partially agree with both of you. Meds are in a sense a band-aid, but definitely one that can make day to day life much more tolerable for the person and their relationships with others.
I have an appointment next Friday; I'll see how things go. Thanks again!

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 5:31 am
by ShadowThrone
good luck :)

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:58 pm
by rivetlicker_
Without meds, my anxiety and irrational thinking would be through the roof. I have BPD myself, so I get really cranky and feel guilty almost all the time. Meds saved me.

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 3:25 pm
by juustojoki
Thank you.

rivetlicker, I relate completely and think that I should probably get back on meds.

Thanks again guys! Happiness for all ^^

Re: Personality disorders - To take meds or not to take meds

Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 6:12 pm
by acia lust
i know this is a fairly old post, but i am going through mostly the same thing (except with self harm, not alcohol.)
my parents have been getting me to quit the meds for my bpd and anxiety because my dad thinks it's just a bandaid, and while i do see why some people would think so, i've been going to many therapists and digging through every problem i've had since birth, and i still feel like i need to take my self out from the world. the lexapro and the valium helped me get through the anxieties of the day with at least a smile and they helped. personally, i'd love to get back on those meds. i need at least SOME sanity back.