Folks with borderline personality disorder (BPD) face some of the harshest stigma in the mental health community. From clinicians refusing to treat patients who have BPD, to anonymous internet users posting hateful blogs about why you should never date someone with BPD, it’s no wonder many people with BPD struggle with shame surrounding their condition. If you’ve experienced stigma because…
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is so incredibly complex that no two people with the disorder are exactly the same. There is a sliding scale of symptoms and different treatment options that work for BPD patients in many different ways. For example, one of my biggest triggers is rejection, whether real or something I perceive could happen at any moment. There is…
Dealing with borderline personality disorder symptoms can be overwhelming and exhausting. So much of my life feels wasted dealing with this disorder, trying to make my way through the world without hurting myself or others. Fighting unrelenting anxiety in social situations or intense anger at work? Trying to keep from killing yourself? It’s exhausting. It makes me want to quit sometimes. But…
Back in August of 2016, I was put on a treatment section for three weeks as an alternative to inpatient and it honestly saved my life at the time. I was in and out of the psychiatric hospital every single day talking to lots of different professionals who managed to get me into a more stable mindset to allow me…
Among all of the mental illnesses, research has shown people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have not only the highest number of suicide attempts, but also the highest rates of completion. Some studies have the numbers as high as 70% of people with BPD will attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime, while many will have multiple attempts and the death rates are estimated as high…
I am not likable. Or so I hear people say. For as long as I can remember, I was labeled “over-acting,” “dramatic,” “attention-seeking” and even “too passionate.” Growing up, I learned if I muffled the emotions, I was more “acceptable.” Through the years, I got better at it. I learned that bottling up my feelings made me more likable. There…
I’ve read countless articles, many on The Mighty, about the struggle of having an invisible illness and the way other people judge the “validity” of people’s conditions. I’ve also read about people who aren’t taken seriously when they express their most intimate, dark thoughts to family, professionals, and friends. I’m a psychologist. Not too long ago I was reunited with many other mental…
While living with BPD presents a unique set of challenges, it’s essential to recognize that people with this disorder can possess hidden strengths and capabilities that can contribute to personal growth, especially once the decision has been made to undergo treatment. In this article, we explore six of the lesser-known positive aspects of having Borderline Personality Disorder. 1. Heightened Empathy and Sensitivity People with…
In my experience as a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD), my condition can sometimes feel like a special power. Like when I engage with someone I can immediately sense how they’re feeling. iI is much more noticeable when they’re upset or trying to hide their feelings. This generally means that people trust and like to talk to me, because…
I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. My Hinge profile is set to “paused,” which means it’s undiscoverable to potential new matches. I have my reasons for taking a break from dating. For example: I’m focusing on myself. I want to be the most confident version of myself before I put myself out there. A pandemic.…