Am I depresseed or do I have a borderlimne personal;ity disorder?

[Sarah Drenth]

I am an Australian resident.  I have suffered increasingly from symptoms of depression, anxiety, inertia and alcohol dependency over the last 3 years, although I believe most of the symptoms began in early childhood.

I neeed to know what the chances of recovery are - I have 2 young children and I worry a lot about their own emotional wellbeing.

I am seeing a new psychiatrist (4-5 weeks only so far).

I am suicidal much of the time.

I do not respond well to anti-depressants.

I have been hospitalised several times.

I am very frightened and yet I feel that there must be many others out there suffering in the same way.  It does not help.

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Sarah Drenth,

You appear to be going through immense stress.. Most of the symptoms you mention suggest Major Depression. Those that suffer from Major Depression have either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for at least a two week
period. In addition, there are a number of accompanying symptoms such as disturbed sleep, decreased motivation, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, decreased energy, impaired concentration, changes in appetite, psychomotor retardation, decreased sexual desire and suicidal thoughts or plans.
The good news is that the diagnosis has been made, and can now be
treated. Seventy to 80% of people suffering from this disorder improve with appropriate treatment. Treatment usually consists of medication and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.
Alcohol abuse or dependence often coexist with depression.  Alcohol is a depressant, so it often complicates the treatment.  This too is a treatable disorder, and one that your mental helath clinician can discuss with you.

There is hope.  Treatment often takes a few months, so please be patient.
My Best Wishes.


Sincerely,

HFHS M.D.-SW

*Keywords: Major Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder

[ada]

I have been fighting depression for years and
susidal tendencies for years also.  I cannot
take any medication for my depression.  My doctor says I have a chemical in my brain
that will not mix with them.  We've tried
at least l0 different ones.  
  I was hospitalized this year to try and get
me on a depression medication that I could take and that didn't work.
  My doctor and I decided that I would try and get through my depression without being on a medication.  I do beleive that they might help
if you can take one that doesn't cause major side effects and I firmly believe that you have to have a Therapist that is good at what he does. So if you get one that you have doubts about keep looking.  I have switched several times and I finally decided that my family physician was best for me.  He has stuck by me through 8 years of depression and 4 surgeries and talked me through several susicidal bouts.  I call him my Guardian Angel and I believe if you find the right Therapist
you will get better.  I don't think I'll
ever get completely well from my depression
but I now believe that through good help and faith in God you can learn to live a better life with it.

[katarzyna]

But doesn't the fact that she's suffered from these symptoms since childhood indicate BPS?