Thus far I haven’t spent too much time on this blog talking about borderline personality disorder (BPD), which I was diagnosed with in 2012. I suppose I’ve been biding my time while trying to figure out the best way to address it on this blog.
BPD is an extremely misunderstood disorder. Historically, BPD has long had a big problem with being stigmatized and incorrectly diagnosed. So, I thought the best way for me to introduce the disorder was to try and work against those things right from the start.
BPD mythbuster #1: Recovery
Something I often hear people say:
“I didn’t know BPD was something a person could recover from.”
I also often hear:
“I don’t believe people with BPD want to recover.”
First of all, I’m here to say that recovery from BPD is indeed possible. Is it easy? No way! Recovery from BPD is immensely difficult. It takes time and dedication. Don’t expect it to happen overnight.
Recovery from BPD is much different than your standard run of the mill recovery process. I’ve heard it said before that BPD should be thought of as more along the lines of a manageable condition without a fixed healing process. I believe this to be 100% true. Proper ongoing management of the disorder is key as frequent setbacks are quite common.
Second, I’ve never known anyone with this disorder who did not want to recover. On the contrary, people with BPD desperately want to get better, however, a lack of resources and effective treatment methods often stand in the way. BPD can be exhausting and debilitating but I think a lot of people confuse this with laziness and apathy.
For anyone who has questions about what BPD really is, I emplore you to start with a blank slate. Then, consult these excellent resources. Get a handle on what is, and, just as important, what isn’t a criteria for BPD.
Nami (National Association of Mental Illness): Borderline Personality Disorder
WebMD: What is borderline Personality Disorder?
verywellmind: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Mayo Clinic: Borderline Personality Disorder
I’m so glad to have this opportunity and this platform in order to further the understanding of BPD.
Hope everyone is doing well!
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[…] BPD mythbuster series intro: Recovery […]
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[…] odd sort of phenomenon exists amongst people with BPD wherein there’s a strong desire to deny the diagnosis and/or fight against it. I’ve […]
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I observe you are facing this problem “head on.” Good,luck with your treatment.
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Thank you 🙂
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I was also diagnosed with BPD in 2012, but had been suffering way before that.
Good post, and I’m on that journey! It is hard, but I’m further up the mountain than I was…
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Progress is always good. If you can look back and see that you’re in a better place now that is a great thing. 🙂
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Well, I, for one, am eager to read more about your experiences, JoAnn, as this is the first I have heard about BPD.
Granted, I’m not as versed as are most of your readers, but I’d like to change that!
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Oh that’s great to hear! Thanks for your visits and comments.
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Thank you for shining a light on BPD.
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You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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I respect someone with the courage to open up about something as personal as this. I look forward to reading more about your recovery.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Looking forward to sharing your journey. I was a mental health nurse/manager and my sister has BPD so, I’m interested in your perspective too. Caz x
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Oh thank you and thanks for visiting. Hope your sister is doing well
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I think it’s brave you addressed it, that is the first step. Every journey is different and I’ll be following yours!
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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I shall look forward to joining you on your journey 🙂
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Thankyou and thanks for visiting! 🙂
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