[21F] Experiencing fear of men and borderline personality disorder symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, it seems you are dealing with two main issues:

• Fear of Men (Androphobia): This is a specific phobia, which is an excessive or irrational fear of an object or situation. In your case, the fear is related to men. It's important to note that phobias are common, but when they start interfering with your life, they become a problem.

  • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure therapy, a form of CBT, is also often effective.

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): This is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships.

  • Treatment for BPD typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist that has experience in treating this kind of disorder. Medications can also be used to help manage specific symptoms.

What you can do

1. Seek professional help: If you haven't already, reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. This can include psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists.

2. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you identify and change core beliefs and behaviors that underlie inaccurate perceptions of yourself and others, and problems interacting with others. It can also help you learn skills to manage symptoms and reduce impulsive behaviors.

3. Self-Care: Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can boost your mood and energy levels. Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drugs, which can worsen mental health issues.

What you should look out for

If you're feeling suicidal or thinking of hurting yourself, seek help immediately. You can reach out to a close friend or loved one, contact a mental health professional or a mental health crisis hotline, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Remember, it's important to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. This information is intended to be patient-friendly and can be found on websites like Mayo Clinic.