Topic Tuesday // BPD Awareness featuring SPECTRUM VIC // Tues 1 Oct, 7pm AEST

@JulianSpectrum @AndrewSpectrum I agree with looking at a person with BPD as first a person and then their symptoms and other things relevant to the diagnosis. I know that I prefer to be seen as more than just my BPD because I have other MH conditions as well and that if I’m seen as just a collection of symptoms, it makes me feel like I’m just something out of a textbook. I know that I’m more than my BPD and want people to see and recognise this.

@Former-Member This is a great description. I couldn't agree more about the strength of people living with BPD - I honestly feel lucky to work with people who are so incredible in different ways.

@BlueBay @Former-Member

So sorry to hear your families have not been supportive of you. Particually as children.

My wife was as a child and still is very sensitive. Her parents have been super supportive of her all her life but childhood particually was a struggle For her despite this. I hate to think how much worse things would be if she had not had this support 😕

@JulianSpectrum

Its god damn embarassing also.

I had to file a complaint to Council staff to stop myself from self harm & when i look back now feeling normal i was losing it in front of two grown ups & im 55. Belching crying & displaying anger & frustration in front of strangers.

I did it tho cause i needed them to know that it was a serious complaint because of how it was affecting me. If i didnt complain the person would do it possibly to someone else with bpd that did self harm

So glad that your wife has supportive parents and family @Determined

wish mine were supportive but unfortunately not.

Again everyone - thank you for being so open and honest with the community!

Moving now to Question 4 (time is flying )

Whilst we can’t provide tailored medical advice on the forums, we can focus on techniques that work for us. Many of our forum users lean on DBT (Dialectical behavior therapy) and CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) to manage the symptoms of BPD.

What are some other strategies or therapies you find helpful in the recovery journey?

@Former-Member So sorry to hear of your experiences here. Understanding people's rage and anger are an important part of this. Also, as you say, recognising the other emotions that often come hand-in-hand with anger is vital too. Sometimes these other emotions don't get the air time and recognition they need.

@Former-Member

If you have BPD, I think it’s important to get as educated as possible about the diagnosis from trustworthy and non-stigmatising sources of information. If possible it’s helpful for family members, friends or employers to increase their knowledge about BPD as well, because this can really help shift stigma and improve understanding and communication.

If you can map out some idea of what a life worth living might look like, that can often give a sense of what you’re aiming for in your recovery journey. There’s a lot of research out there which shows that people with BPD who have some kind of hobby interest, employment, volunteer work, study, or some other kind of role / pursuit outside of their illness recover faster than those who don’t. These sorts of things help anyone to build a well-rounded life whether they have BPD or not, but they can sometimes be hard things to work towards, so accessing support along the way can be important. Support comes in many forms but includes things like this forum and other recovery-oriented groups online, as well as friends or family and health services.

Does CBT abd DBT really work

@Former-Member @AndrewSpectrum @JulianSpectrum

i use meditation and walking at times.