bi-polar/borderline personality disorder

i was seeing a therapist a few years back and was told i have bi-polar disorder, i have finally gotten into see a regular doctor but i am not sure how i should apporch the situation. i would like to get help for this mental disorder but do not know how to bring it up with out him judging me and thinking i'm crazy. any ideas on how to go about talking to him.

[MarnieJan712]

If you don't feel comfortabe talking to your regular doctor, find on that you can talk to.  They shouldn't be judgemental at all.  Tell him about your symptoms.  He'll help you or refer you to a psychiatrist for medications, I think.  Doctors should have a good understanding of mental health disorders.  I wish you the best.

[lilymoon]

If your doctor is any good he/she will take you seriously.
You could write things down beforehand if that helps.You could also not mention the diagnoses but the symptoms you struggle with and ask to be reffered,I presume this doctor is not a mental health professional? So then you need to be reffered anyway.
Good luck! Lily

[Jaquta]

I think open and honest discussions are best.

I think going in and asking for what you need is important.  I think a psych assessment is a good place to start.  This way a doctor can evaluate meds, etc.  For bpd I think talk-therapy is important.  dbt may also be advocated for.  A psychiatrist should be able to refer you to the right agency/ organization, etc.

Asking a family doctor for a referal to a psychiatrist could be a good idea.
Discussing how well you are managing both bipolar and bpd would also be important.

I think that if you go in and assert yourself or go in with confidence and don't make too many apologies for your medical conditions then they are less likely to judge.  A good doctor shouldn't anyway.

You could also take a support person if you feel comfortable with this and if it would help.

Just be honest about what you think and feel.  I have told my doctor a lot.  I think more than anything he respects that I say what I think and feel.  If you have a good rapport and make a mistake you can always repair the relationship.

Don't stress too much.  Appointments are usually far less stressful than we imagine they will be.