No problem!
Yep, I was never told I had any diagnosis (I also have depression and anxiety), despite, like you experienced, being offered help (whether that was therapy/medication/both). Sometimes I think they may have the belief that giving someone a diagnosis can do more harm than good. I can see why - sort of. But I also think that a diagnosis can benefit people. It just depends on the individual and their temperament.
I'm alright thank you!
I have mixed feelings about inpatient. I have been inpatient twice (once for a couple of weeks and once for three months). The first time, I didn't find it helpful
at all. I was basically ignored by staff the whole time and didn't get any help at all while I was there. The second time, was much more helpful. However, I did 'misbehave' (not the correct word to use but not sure what would be better lol...brain isn't cooperating
) a bit -
TW TW TW TW I took an OD while on the ward and also absconded resulting in being brought back by police.
TW TW TW TW. The cynical part of me wants to say that because of my actions, they paid me a bit more attention. I had two nurses who were absolutely fantastic. So kind, caring, the 'right' kind of nurse. I still miss them sometimes. Sadly a lot of the other nurses weren't so great. I think they were quite judgemental towards people with BPD (this may be my skewed judgement but I'm not sure). A few of them were just unpleasant to everyone, it was very clear that to them, nursing was a job that pays the bills, nothing more. Being on the ward kept me safe (to an extent), and I would get to speak to someone for 5/10mins most days about how I'm feeling and coping. I would go to an art group run by an OT once a week. It was lovely and calming. The nurses would also try to do activities each day, so there was sometimes an exercise class, or relaxation, or crafts. I also made some friends, which really helped me feel better. They also had BPD so it was lovely to have people that understood. However, that being said, it was a very toxic environment. For a period of time, there was an individual who would attempt suicide in various ways multiple times a day (he really should have been on a more secure ward), so we would get shut in our rooms with no timescale as to when we could get out. There was also a patient who "fell in love with me" and then when I rejected him, absolutely freaked and basically had the ward on lockdown. It can be hard to get better in an environment like that. It depends what the reason is for being admitted I guess. I was admitted as a crisis admission, so their only intention was to keep me safe. I haven't been inpatient in a more recovery focussed setting. Sorry, that was a bit of a ramble.
As long as you stay with the NHS and don't go private, then yes your diagnosis follows you. Your medical records will be transferred to your new GP. I personally was referred from one mental health service to the other, but I don't know if that's how it's always done or whether sometimes you would need to go through your GP. Once you have an official diagnosis then you won't need to be re-diagnosed when you move, no.
I am not at university however I know people who have BPD and are at uni. They got support from their uni in various ways, but I think each uni will be different as to what support they can offer. It's definitely worth looking into though. As for DSA, it's worth applying for. The worst that can happen is they can turn you down. Again, from other people's experiences, their unis have been fairly understanding when it comes to academic work, and try their best to get you through the year and help you in whatever way you need.
I live in Scotland and a lot of regions don't even offer DBT (one of the 'best' treatments for BPD). Luckily I now live in one that does. Getting into the system is such a hassle but I'm glad that you're in now!!
Recovery can mean different things to different people. Again, I know people who were diagnosed in the past and after treatment, no longer meet the diagnostic criteria of BPD. They may still have some issues here and there but they no longer have BPD. Other people just learn to live with it and are mostly able to cope when things go wrong, and that, for them, is recovery. It's very individual, but ultimately, people have got to the stage where they no longer have BPD and that, for me, gives me hope.
No need to apologise for the questions, I apologise for how long this reply is!