How do I change?
I am new to this so bear with me while I explain my story.
Ever since I was young I've had attachment issues where I hate the person for spending time with others and not caring enough about me. I've also had issues with compulsively lying in any situation I thought I would get in trouble and it could be for the dumbest things. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with BPD, Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. My therapist at the time helped me figure out that these were due to my childhood traumas (I won't dive into those here).
I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for 8 years and he has been dealing with all my issues. My compulsive lying, major mood swings, seeming to lack empathy, struggling to care for myself and complete the easiest tasks. So naturally, by this point, he feels there is no end in sight and I will never change. I have gotten better about the mood swings and completing tasks along with caring for myself. But, my major issue is lying and hiding things. I work hard to try and change it, I will go for weeks without lying then something happens and I lie. Usually, it is for something stupid, like today I was watching a show while getting a snack together and I heard him coming down the stairs. I slammed the laptop closed and looked for a place to hide it so he wouldn't know. Obviously, he caught me, but instead of telling him what was going on, I lied even more. I dug myself in a huge hole and when he asked to see what was on the screen I had to fess up.
This then turned into an argument and he expressed the thought of leaving. I broke down because I love him but I am putting him through this pain of never being able to trust me. He has been dealing with this for so long that even with me trying to get better it is hard for him. I hate that I am putting him through this, I don't want to lose him. When things are going well we are so happy and we talk about the future. But the bad hits hard and it reminds both of us that I am broken and I am struggling to get better.
I have books to help, along with seeing a therapist. I had to get a new one recently and haven't been able to get into her until May. So, I have gone 2 months without therapy after seeing one weekly for almost 2 years. I don't know what to do, I want to change for both of us. I hate being this way and feeling like this all the time.
I just joined this site because I knew that it would be better if I had people to talk to with my diagnosis. See what they have found that works for them cause I don't know what to do anymore.
@BorderlinehasTakenOver852
I don't have any amazing advice for you, but I really really just want to let you know that you are not alone. A lot of this I could have written myself. I'm usually great at figuring things out, but lately I'm struggling with the BPD bursts. I've gotten to a point where I won't even be close with or hang out with anyone so I don't piss myself off with ridiculous expectations. I absolutely know what moves I made incorrectly after it's over, but in the moment my logical brain completely shuts off. That's what I can't figure out how to stop. It's awful. I also compulsively lie and know that I need to start telling the truth to myself first... and work on the rest. I can't run from people forever. I feel like I'm a better person when I'm alone, but that's not a way to live. I've literally pushed every single person out of my life. I currently live with my ex who I will leave eventually. Hang in there. I know this stuff really sucks. I don't even know who I am.
@BorderlinehasTakenOver852
Hi--my first reaction reading through what you wrote was that you listed a lot of different things that you've been having problems with (e.g. mood swings, caring for self, completing tasks) where those have been improving. And that sounds really great! That's something to be proud of and feel hopeful about that you've been able to make progress on those things. 💜 It's just the one remaining issue of compulsive lying that still feels like it's a big issue, and if you were able to make progress on that then things would really be moving in a good direction.
Can also understand how that must be really difficult. You value having the relationship with him and don't want him to leave. And you also hate the idea of repeatedly hurting him when he's been so patient and you care about him so much.
Regarding the lying, here are some links I was able to find that have some info. Based on what you mentioned regarding childhood trauma, I wonder if there were situations when you were growing up where you felt like you had to lie or else people would get really upset with you? And then maybe that pattern has sort of carried forward to the present (along with the fear of being judged/abandoned/really bad things happening if you are imperfect in any way)? Understanding the reason for the lying and persuading yourself that things will be safe/okay if you don't lie might be the first steps to discontinuing it.
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/compulsive-lying
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-lying
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-stop-lying-5190954