Topic Tuesday Focus Group // Treatment and support for people experiencing personality disorders // Tuesday 13 March, 7pm AEDT

@Determined @Former-Member @Former-Member

My final question for the night is: What would you like to see changed in the way personality disorders are treated in Australia?

The problem I have with that @Former-Member @EliseSunflower (the suggestion that we should leave) other than the fact that I made a commitment for better or worse and that commitment means something to me, where would that leave anyone with mi if loved ones just packed up and left when things get tough. What other supports are they going to recieve, the system is already overburdened. How about just supporting carers and valueing us rather than in some cases considering us irrelevant.

Rant over

Not quite

I consider that sort of advice irresponsible, unprofessional and hurtful...

An additional support we have recently started accessing @EliseSunflower is some relationship councilling that was a referral through our church pastor, councillor is someone who understands BPD through a personal connnection as well as professional training.

@Determined How are you two finding the relationship counselling so far?

@Determined, @Former-Member, it is soo good to talk about it as if there can be more support given in the future is a good thing

@EliseSunflower, @Former-Member, as a wife and carer it is hard to find the balance that we all need from day to day , as every day is different , the ups and downs everyday and we all tend to forget ourselves

Hey everyone - just a heads up we have 5 minutes to go!

For me @EliseSunflower including carers and family members in treatment and supporting us through our carer role rather than hiding behind privacy. (With the consent of our loved ones of course). I have often felt as though I was treated as part of the problem not the solution , sometimes based on my darlings alternate view on reality. Professionals should be able to assess this rather putting it off as too hard.

Also take the time to assess things properly and seek additional info from carers or loved ones rather than writing pd suffers off as attention seekers.

At the ed after a recent attempt (within the last month) while the level of care was high the attempt was not acknowledged as such yet no one bothered to ask what I thought. She told them what they wanted to hear so she would be discharged and she was after a regulatory observation period, so I had to take her home fearing for her safety and there was nothing I could do about it.

As it has come to that time now, I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved tonight and a big thanks to @Elise_Research for including the Forum members in on this important research.

If anything from tonight's discussion has raised distress for you, please don't hesitate to contact a crisis service, engage in your helpful strategies or continue to connect with others here in the Forums.

Thank you for all being so generous in sharing your experiences.

If you have any questions about tonight's session or the research in general, but sure to check out the Participant Information Sheet where you'll find a lot of information including how to get in touch if you have any unanswered questions.

Thanks everyone!