While most physicians have an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for personality disorders and can identify some of the general traits of each, our medical training often does not extend to teaching us how to disclose the diagnosis of a personality disorder to patients themselves. As a result of this, many doctors including training psychiatrists often wonder whether they even should disclose the diagnosis in the first place.
In the article below, a patient with borderline personality disorder, speaks out about her experience with the mental health condition, as well as how finally receiving the diagnosis provided both her and her family with great "relief" and insight.
"Having awareness of symptoms, triggers and disordered reactions is huge. I've reached the stage now where I can (in theory at least) recognise all three, although that doesn't mean the trigger or response can necessarily be avoided.
Rather, I'm starting to figure out how to handle myself, what I need to do to reduce the impact of a trigger and try to avoid the most damaging behaviour. Ultimately this is where DBT will come in...
Borderline is really, really hard to live with, for me, and for my family. But, clichéd and all as this may sound, it genuinely has taught us a lot. We're far more open in how we talk to each other, because communication is absolutely crucial in surviving this. The minute we stop talking is the minute problems start. Difficult conversations are all too frequent, but they have to be had.
For myself, I'm increasingly aware of how other people are on an emotional level, and am far more empathic because of it. In fact, being able to identify with someone else helps me, because it takes me out of myself."
For the full article, click here: http://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/mental-health/my-life-with-borderline-personality-disorder-ive-always-felt-like-an-outsider-an-imposter-someone-who-was-tolerated-34426965.html
In the article below, a patient with borderline personality disorder, speaks out about her experience with the mental health condition, as well as how finally receiving the diagnosis provided both her and her family with great "relief" and insight.
"Having awareness of symptoms, triggers and disordered reactions is huge. I've reached the stage now where I can (in theory at least) recognise all three, although that doesn't mean the trigger or response can necessarily be avoided.
Rather, I'm starting to figure out how to handle myself, what I need to do to reduce the impact of a trigger and try to avoid the most damaging behaviour. Ultimately this is where DBT will come in...
Borderline is really, really hard to live with, for me, and for my family. But, clichéd and all as this may sound, it genuinely has taught us a lot. We're far more open in how we talk to each other, because communication is absolutely crucial in surviving this. The minute we stop talking is the minute problems start. Difficult conversations are all too frequent, but they have to be had.
For myself, I'm increasingly aware of how other people are on an emotional level, and am far more empathic because of it. In fact, being able to identify with someone else helps me, because it takes me out of myself."
For the full article, click here: http://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/mental-health/my-life-with-borderline-personality-disorder-ive-always-felt-like-an-outsider-an-imposter-someone-who-was-tolerated-34426965.html
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