Getting an official mental health diagnosis can feel scary and overwhelming for some teens and their families. However, for some people it can also be incredibly validating. It reassures them that they are not alone, and that there is hope. No matter what your conditions are–ADHD, OCD, autism, depression, trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.–if gone undiagnosed, it can feel like you are the only one struggling.
A diagnosis can normalize lived experiences, provide context, and reassure you that you shouldn’t blame yourself for how you feel. In many cases, there are also treatments that specifically target these conditions and can help patients navigate daily life.
Recently we read this article written by someone who found their Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) diagnosis to be validating and helpful. It reflects some of the thoughts and experiences that our patients with BPD have had after being diagnosed.
At the Youth and Family Institute (YFI) in Los Angeles, we help patients with their BPD diagnosis journey and provide Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to equip them with skills to navigate life’s most difficult moments and build a life worth living.
Source:
“This is why I’m glad I was finally diagnosed with borderline personality disorder” – Published for the Independent by Beth Rees on May 17, 2018. Read article.
