u/cannedbeans97

Hi, I’m not sure if this is the best place to ask but figure it’s worth a try. I am incredibly sun sensitive to the point of getting boils and blisters after 10-15 mins of sun exposure regardless of sunscreen. Obviously, this is not only deeply painful, but increases my long term risk of skin cancer.

I use a sun parasol to provide shade, but there’s many situations where I can’t carry one with me, and even then it doesn’t block strong light reflections and it doesn’t protect my legs. My skin is only getting worse so I’m at the point where I need to start making sure I cover my arms and legs all year round, including summer. Normally in summer I’d just wear a short sleeve shirt, but now that doesn’t provide enough protection. I’ve been trying to add a cardigan, but I get SO hot in the warmer weather (it’s about 32C/89°F where I’m living). I figure if anyone has ideas for keeping my skin covered throughout even the hot months, it would be this community.

So with much much appreciation, does anyone have any suggestions on what type of clothing I can look into to cover my skin without causing me to overheat? Anything helps, really. I appreciate it 🫶

(Ps Swimwear tips would also be appreciated, as right now I only have a bikini from two summers ago that I know will not provide any help in my current condition.)

A bit of a vent, but mostly looking to see if anyone has any advice/suggestions/support because I’m out of ideas

For context, I was only diagnosed with BPD a few years ago, but I’ve been diagnosed with OCD and Anxiety for a LOT longer.

I started CBT about 10 years ago (I’m aging myself with that one 🫩) primarily for general and social anxiety. After about a year or two, I switched to DBT and MBT. I’ve been going consistently between 1-4 times a month since I started.

My anxiety and OCD symptoms have been greatly resolved, no longer needing SSRIs either, and I’m eternally grateful for that. But I mention this because seeing that these issues that were previously deeply impactful on my life have more or less dissipated, I’m left frustrated that my BPD symptoms are only getting worse.

It doesn’t seem to matter how long I do DBT or MBT, how many work books and group support sessions I attend, nothing works. I feel like I’m only having more and more issues that affect my quality of life, and I’m at my wits end.

My therapist and psychiatrist both say “it’ll get better with time” but that was two years ago after already having done 8 years, how much more time is needed to have even a semblance of control over my symptoms.

So, if anyone has any similar experiences, I’d love to hear it and listen to your suggestions etc

Now the little vent because I need to get it off my chest. My life is so deeply impacted by this disorder, and some days I just break down crying in the shower because of how much it seeps into every facet of my life. I over react to situations, and I’m constantly anticipating the worst in people (which leads to horrible trust issues and becoming so defensive in most situations). I’m impulsive, it’s reckless at best, and to be totally honest the only reason I realised I need to ask for advice is because I left my apartment at 2:30 am to meet up with a stranger from a dating app (got home and realised I can’t live like this). I have a hard time keeping friendships because honestly I just get frustrated, and romantic relationships feel like an impossible task. All of this while also being so incredibly desperate for connection, I feel like I’m chasing something I can’t even grasp if I got close enough to.

I don’t know, I’m just frustrated by being told over and over that I just need to give it time when (in my opinion) I’ve given it so so much time and dedication.

Thanks Reddit