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Borderline Personality Disorder
I have a dual diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. This double "whammy" does pose particular problems. Borderline or BPD, is a very difficult disorder. Even the experts disagree about the diagnosis and treatment of it. Some of the common aspects of the disorder are:
1) Self Mutilation--with this, a person cuts, hits, burns, or some other way, injures themselves. This is very misunderstood by those who don't know about BPD. Many feel that the person is self mutilating for attention, but that is totally wrong. The person who mutilates is in so much emotional pain that they finally hurt themself to try to relieve the pain. The simple act of injuring themselves causes immediate relief to the person. But then guilt fills them and then they hurt themself again. It is a vicious cycle. Those who self-mutilate don't feel the pain of the self injuries.
2) Threats or extreme feeling of suicide--this can be found in both BP and BPD. It is very common for a person with either disorder to state they want to commit suicide. These statements are NOT for attention. They should be taken seriously and counseling should be provided.
3) Feelings of abandonment--people with BPD often have abandonment issues. Often as a child they were or felt they were rejected. This causes problems with personal relationships, Often a person with BPD will "sabotage" their own relationships. Subconsciencely they are afraid of being abandoned and will "push" away people around them. It takes alot of patience to deal with a BPD person.
4) Often the person with BPD is extremely insecure about themselves and will take over a conversation. They will repeatedly interupt others.
5) There are alot of emotional ups and downs because of the disorders. Depression can be mixed with manic episodes.
6) BPD is an extremely difficult disorder for therapists to work with. Many psychologists, therapists, and counselors will not take a patient who is BPD.
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Help Is Available
It is not uncommon for a person to have both BP and BPD. It takes alot of counseling and medication, but both disorders can be helped. There are many support groups for BP. One orginazation that has support groups is the Depression / Manic Depression Association. (D/MDA) The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill also helps families of a mentally ill person. NAMI is also found online.
The main thing for all people who have been diagnosed with these disorders is to remain hopeful. Express your feelings. If you are feeling unsafe, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!! In advance, know where your local crisis center is and 24 hour helplines. You can take control of your illness and have a good life.
By C.T.H.
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Post Tramatic Stress Disorder
In 1997 I was diagnosed with Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (otherwise known as PTSD). I was suffering from insomnia, or when I did sleep horrible, vivid nightmares from which I would wake up in a sweat. I suffered from flashbacks (of the trauma I had survived through many years earlier, though did not receive help for), and also some "body memories", these times were especially scary as similar feelings I experienced during the initial trauma continued to plague me many years later. When I was in a group of people I felt very far away, distant..it was like I was in a bubble and I couldnt break through. The symptoms I had could be triggered easily by a conversation I would hear, or a TV show, or by feelings of powerlessness or oppression(in relationships). Summertime was always a difficult time for me, as this was when the event occurred- driving down the road and seeing the grass on the side of the road tall and dry like it was when I was raped would unconciously trigger my mind. I would become anxious and overwhelmed, yet not yet understanding the reason why. I didnt have appropriate coping skills and at times would turn to alcohol and drugs to 'ease' the feelings. Temporarily this seemed to work, however in the long run led to keeping me from getting the help I needed, and alienated me from people who cared. It also led to alcoholism, bringing more problems and self-destructive behaviour.
Years ago PTSD was usually called shell-shock or combat fatigue. However today you don't have to be a soldier to be diagnosed with PTSD, you are a survivor of a tramatic event, which could be anything from a war to rape (or attempted rape) to a car accident. Sudden terror causes hormones to surge..leading to the senses becoming hyperalert to danger. Usually hormone levels fall back to the normal level but with PTSD they remain elevated. Survivors usually can't control this or stop it from occuring.
What can we do? We need to reckognize and avoid unhealthy coping strategies that cause further harm.Consult with a competent health professional. I know what it's like to feel paralyzed emotionally, I felt frozen. It takes sooo much courage and strength to reach out and ask for help. Be honest with your therapist, let them find you the right therapy. Know that there is help.
~L.B.
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Symptoms of PTSD
Flashbacks- feelings that the trauma is happening again
Bad nightmares or dreams
A tendency to be very startled or by someone unexpectedly coming up behind them
A shaky feeling and sweatiness
A pounding heart or trouble breathing
A feeling of upset when reminded of the trauma by something seen, heard, felt, smelled, or tasted
Anxiety or fear- the feeling of being in danger again
Trouble controlling emotions because reminders lead to sudden anxiety, anger, or upset
Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Agitation and a constant state of being on the lookout for danger
An emotional shutdown or emotional numbness
Trouble having loving feelings or feeling any strong emotions
The feeling that surroundings are strange or unreal
Loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyable
Trouble remembering important parts of what happened during the trauma
A feeling of being disconnected from the world around them and the things happening to them
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