| y"> | | | | digress...because we feel so deeply, especially early in |
| You or some-one you care about has been | | | | our recovery, there are some things that a supporter |
| diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I | | | | can read that a consumer possibly could not. One of |
| hope you have heard by now that BPD is highly | | | | those books is Stop Walking on Eggshells. If you are |
| treatable! Now you can finally get on with living a | | | | a supporter and are looking for answers on how the |
| good life! I can tell you from my experience, that | | | | heck to talk to us (quick!), there is a chapter on |
| once you get over the initial shock of finding out that | | | | communicating with us that is right on! |
| you have a brain disorder, things start to get better | | | | Next, get in to effective treatment. |
| as you realize how nice the treatment is and how we | | | | I'll tell you in a nutshell, to save you a lot of time, |
| finally have a place you belong! | | | | what the current thought is on treatment. For some |
| I was thinking, when I was diagnosed, that having a | | | | of us medication is helpful and for some not |
| mental illness confirmed what I had already | | | | necessary. For all of us therapy is essential, and if |
| suspected, that the culmination of all my pain and | | | | your therapist doesn't know how to treat BPD, she |
| suffering would be my becoming a homeless person | | | | may be doing more harm than good, so find one |
| that no one cared about or wanted to be with. I felt | | | | who knows your disorder! For all of us, Dialectical |
| REALLY sorry for myself, and yes, I believe, I was | | | | Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training can be |
| entitled to be able to wallow in some self pity for a | | | | enormously helpful and downright awesome! |
| bit. But quickly I found out that FINALLY I had an | | | | Some of the things you will learn are how to |
| answer, a treatment and a cure! Hurray! | | | | effectively regulate your emotions and how to avoid |
| So, here is where I suggest you start: find out good | | | | black and white thinking. |
| sources of information, number one, and then with | | | | Find yourself some support. |
| that information, find good treatment options and | | | | The illness usually forces sufferers into social isolation, |
| good support. | | | | which only compounds the symptoms. Part of your |
| First, begin with research. | | | | healing will be to slowly get back into life. Once you |
| Now, this is the first thing I'm going to tell you about | | | | have learned some basic skills, you will be able to |
| research: beware of what you read on the web! | | | | tolerate social interactions, and will grow to enjoy |
| There are some There are a lot of angry people out | | | | them once more. The key is to finding people who |
| there whose approach, in my opinion, is not helpful to | | | | understand and are supportive of you, right where |
| any of us. We are in this together, and there is a lot | | | | you are. |
| of empirical evidence and compassionate advice that | | | | The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has |
| is beneficial to concentrate on for our healing. | | | | support groups that encompass all brain disorders. |
| If you are a reader, my favorite books are: New | | | | BPD is a newcomer to their list of disorders, so some |
| Hope for People with Borderline Personality Disorder | | | | chapters may be more helpful than others. However, |
| by Dr. Neil R. Bockian and BPD Demystified by Dr. | | | | many Borderline Personality Disorder sufferers are |
| Robert Friedel. These books offer multiple treatment | | | | diagnosed with multiple illnesses, so NAMI may be a |
| options, including traditional and alternative | | | | supportive environment for a range of disorders. |
| treatments, as well as useful information on self-help | | | | I recommend the National Education Alliance for |
| and the family perspective. Dr. Friedel, while | | | | Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD) for your |
| professional and clinical in his approach, has a section | | | | family members. They are an informed, passionate |
| on his relationship with his sister, Denise, who had | | | | and helpful organization who offer the Family |
| BPD, and it helps me feel validated to know his | | | | Connections class at a price that can't be beat. This |
| passion for his work is fueled by his emotions | | | | class will help those you love to understand your |
| towards his sister. These books can be read by | | | | illness and teach skills to be more effective in their |
| consumers and supporters as well. | | | | relationship with you. |
| If you are a supporter, you may have figured out on | | | | Keep your mind open to possibilities. |
| your own that we consumers are very sensitive to | | | | If you can't afford or can't find a particular solution, |
| what you say to us. There is a reason for that, and | | | | there will be another one! It's NOT black or |
| I'll point out right here that the flip side to us getting | | | | white...there are many options. And be encouraged! |
| upset about things so easily is that we feel all | | | | Things can get better now! |
| emotions deeply, including our love for you. But, I | | | | Take care! |