Before I Knew: Life before a mental health diagnosis
02/11/2026
Before a diagnosis, many people are left trying to make sense of experiences they don't yet have the words for. What can later be recognised as symptoms of mental illness may initially feel disorienting, unsettling or difficult to explain.
In 'Before I Knew', a series from Rethink Mental Illness, people with lived experience reflect on what they thought their mental health challenges were before receiving a diagnosis and how greater understanding changed the way they saw themselves and their experiences.
While the journey to understanding can be challenging, their stories show that with the right support, people living with mental illness can lead fulfilling, satisfying lives.
Over the next few weeks, our Experts by Experience reflect back on their first moments where things felt different. We'll be updating this page every week, so keep an eye out for the next story.
If you've related to any of the stories, like, comment, share and save our posts on Instagram and Facebook.
Iona - borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Before I knew it was borderline personality disorder, I thought I was just too sensitive and that everyone else could cope with life better than I could.
I first realised something was different when I was around 15. The year before, I'd lost my friendship group, and found myself caught in a cycle of self-hatred, fear of abandonment and emotional overwhelm. Even the smallest disagreement or perceived rejection could catapult me into hours of tears and self-loathing.
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