I've dealt with depression for the last several years. Since I lost my job recently, it's been worse. I don't know what to do, I barely leave my bed, and I'm anxious all the time. Yesterday I self-harmed and went to my doctor, who sent me to the emergency room. After speaking to the psychiatrist there about this and the emptiness I feel and the dissociation and derealization I deal with, he diagnosed me with BPD.

It's a scary diagnosis, but I feel a little bit stronger because I finally went and talked to someone about my mental health, and after doing some reading I think a lot of the issues I've dealt with stem from BPD, rather than depression. I'm glad to have a new way to attack this.

In about a month, I will be able to go to an outpatient clinic and get some structure into my life through partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient therapy (i.e., either M-F or 2-3 times a week from 9-5). But I don't know what to do in the next month while waiting for my appointment.

There's really nothing in my life right now. What can I do to start taking positive steps while I wait for professional help?