I was 16. As the friend of someone with BPD, it's helpful to be as consistent as possible with what you say and do. I got my diagnosis when i was 18. Even in this letter, she puts me on a pedestal and subsequently knocks me off it. There is a FUTURE, just DONT GIVE UP, be STRONG, get HELP. So here I sit feeling sorry for my self and a whole lot lost. An open letter to family and friends regarding the person they know with Borderline Personality Disorder, Manipulative, attention-seeking, dramatic, broken, crazy. I refuse to believe it. BPD, Ghosting, and Abandonment Issues WHEN A PERSON WITH BPD IS GHOSTED It can be incredibly difficult when someone suddenly disappears or "ghosts" from your life especially once you've risked your heart, allowed yourself to be vulnerable, and have become emotionally attached or invested. Thank you for expressing so eloquently and non-judgmentally what (I bet) so many with BPD wish they could say to friends and loved ones. I am sorry that my borderline personality disorder (BPD) got in the way of our family and us. I have read through a lot of your blog and so much of it sounds like me. Again tks for this:), You are very welcome. On the resources page of. It lays out the facts while giving room for the Non in the person with BPD's life options. It's bloody hard work to change your whole life and how you live it. Dear people, I have a professional translation of the letter in Dutch. It's sad that I would have to use our son as an instrument to get my wife in front of a mental health professional, but it is the only way I can see him being protected from the long term effects of this mental illness. Most of my family doesnt believe in my diagnosis, and any friend I ever made has left because of the brief periods of time when I couldnt control my emotions. My mom and dad talked about my fear of abandonment and decided not to go on long vacations together anymore, because I always become unstable when they do. . I have passed it on to my family and friends who support me. I am so thankful that they seem to get it. You juggled everything with such grace, intelligence and humility even as your husband found it harder to keep being the man you knew. However, looking back, all the signs were there, but I just didn't see them. Proud of you for going back to work. Mental health Carers Helpline. You are toxic. I really appreciate all of the kind, encouraging words you've offered here. Were not saying its right. We can work through this destructive pattern and learn how to be healthier in the context of relationships. Maybe Debbie wants to add the Ducht version at her list of translations on her website? I pray every night for God to help meI would love some direction and support Thank You. But for what it's worth you're brave for writing this letter, and i hope for the people who are genuinely affected by this condition, they are heard supported and loved as they definitely don't need anymore shit. Anyway, other programs in the area (I was without work for awhile) want NOTHING to do with mental health issues. You may find that difficult to believe, since we may lash out at you, switch from being loving and kind to non-trusting and cruel on a dime, and we may even straight up blame you. Any therapist helping a child of a borderline to recover will recommend that they protect themselves from the abuse and their abuser. I have absolutely no desire to go since my mother, who is one of my past abusers will be there , and I would rather slit my wrists then be around her because she triggers me CONSTANTLY and seems to enjoy doing so Please help me. I want you to know that despite the poor choices, the exhaustion and what youve seen as laziness, I have loved you through it. , Oh Debbie, once again, you have kept it real. It appears you entered an invalid email. Shrug. Somewhere between 1.6% and 5.9% of adults in the US have BPD, a personality disorder that's characterized by difficulty regulating emotion. They both feed off each other. It was only ever a matter of time and what scared me the most was the thought that youd find someone who would treat you better, who wasnt so weighed down. When I was told what it was, I went home and researched everything I could about it. Learn DBT Skills Online at EmotionallySensitive.com These are the skills that helped this blogs author overcome BPD! I don't know what to do anymore. (BPD & The Internet), The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness Planner by Amanda Smith, LMSW, Remind yourself that the persons behavior isnt your fault, Tap into your compassion for the persons suffering while understanding that their behavior is probably an intense reaction to that suffering. All in all today I am successfull in all that I set my mind on to do. I'm usually pretty good at keeping my head, and not fighting back, whenever she does this. Thank you for writing this. I can only hope with every breath in my body that she can be 'cured' and live a normal and happy life. But its not your fault. This website is a collection of information that we have found helpful or of interest in the context of our own lived experiences. In the past when she gets to busy she ends up in the hospital. I wanted to throw in the towel and give up on life. , There are still some professionals who are not up to speed with the treatments that can effectively help those with BPD. -JB. How I did not walk out at that moment is beyond me. Lacking emotional skin, they feel agony at the slightest touch or movement." Marsha M. Lineham This semester one of the classes I am taking is titled "Intimate Relationships," a course in which the objective is to inform students about She spent years in a mental hospital when she was younger now look at all of the people she's helped and continues to help. Share your story, message,poem, quote, photo or video of hope, struggle or recovery. I had an outstanding relationship with her with much in common and few if any disagreements to the extent that I am totally convinced that she was 'the one' for me (I'm a 48 year old man that has been around the block enough to be a good judge of this) and am not entirely prepared to give up on her. Email: bpdfamilyconnections@gmail.com. You are a source of admiration, thanks for your courage and generous words. If there is a problem with our website, please contact us here, 2023 Sanctuary Support Group | Designed by, Debbie Corso had BPD and has recovered. Just let her know I sent you, and she'll be happy to point you in the right direction. Simple as a grilled cheese sandwich. This seems to be at the crux of NPD, the refusal to show vulnerability. I would be pleased to sent it to you. low self-esteem. Mahari, a Canadian woman and Life Coach now 52 years old, who recovered from Borderline Personality Disorder 14 years ago writes an open letter to all who have been, as she was at the age of 19, diagnosed with BPD. Of course all of this makes me wonder..maybe i'm just lazy or _____ whatever.and then some family members think I *want* to be depressed or anxious or whatever (they think the origin was my mother's death, 20 yrs ago, but I was depressed before that and have told them). I am 26 years old, I live in Wichita, KS, and I live with my father because I cannot live alone. While this is the basic description for BPD, the complexity of this disorder is extreme. But at least we're acknowlodging it and it's *&^$%&$& hard! I feel forsaken by both her and the hospital that is supposed to be helping her, but has instead ruined our marriage. Also, I am very grateful FOR my boyfriend and your article. That said, it makes sense that people occasionally need to set boundaries with us. Now that I know she has BPD, it is too late for me to do anything more to help her. Hi Debbie, I certainly appreciate your open letter. I briefly contemplated not telling my story because of that very fact, but have decided to post it despite that fact. Thankyou, I can only imagine the courage it must have taken for you to write this for us! I wish I could get my husband to read this. Yes, I know. People with BPD may experience just a few or all of these common signs and symptoms: Extreme or unstable emotions. This is my second year . , You have made so much progress!! Or if you don't deserve that because there is nothing for them to "understand" because i have no real excuse for being this weak pathetic crazy annoying and hurtful person? We were taught years ago that BPD was 'untreatable' and it took me a little time to take a leap of faith in DBT. Its difficult, after all, to relate to others properly when you dont have a solid understanding of yourself and who you are, apart from everyone else around you. Our brains literally disconnect, and our thoughts go somewhere else, as our brains are trying to protect us from additional emotional trauma. It makes a difference for us!! and constructing a gulf of silent hostility between us as a way to soothe the slashed open scars of previous . I feel like they deserve better and that I have failed miserably. I am generally very good at keeping my head, but every now and then I can behave a bit more extremely, and those are the worst incidents. Can you get it without having a BPD Dx on your file? She's 30 years old. I want nothing more than get back with her but I dont know how to convey that I love her, that I would fully support her if she would be willing to explore and face this and wont leave. You're absolutely right that small paragraph is all that any mother with BPD who has damaged her children not only should say but it's the only thing she has any right to say. If it was just a figure of speech, please know that you can make choices to take care of YOU and to prioritize which relationships come first in your world. My name was stated here originally, but due to the fact that all of my personal rights to this story are irrelevant the moment I post this, I have decided not to give it. And explains how the "non-BPD" can support and understand those who are suffering from the disorder. I have heard about DBT, butdon't really know much about it. I will try and find your blog, Lots of love Kat. I am a 39yr old female who recently got diagnosed with BPD. Distancing can also trigger all kinds of abandonment and trust issues for the "BPD" partner (as described in #4). It sounds like your Mom cares to find out what's happening for you. It can indeed be inspiring to read these stories. Well I better get off this pitty pottyMy Daughter just called and she is Barking also. This post is just to give you an idea of the typical suffering and thoughts those of us with BPD have. Borderline personality disorder in the workplace. Refresh. It will take time and a lot of effort. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The mood swings experienced by people with BPD can lead to issues with impulsive behavior and can contribute to relationship problems. Even our perception that abandonment is imminent can cause us to become frantic. Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a serious mental health condition that prevents someone from being able to control. That still doesn't negate the real pain that people with BPD do cause. I can't help it. I feel like when i want to say something my mouth just won't move. That some people really are willing and even eager to help, and that makes me smile every damn time. I had no hope in life, no future as it seemed. . I figured it out, but only through trial, error, therapy, a good online support group and a lot of introspection and self-care on my part. It's a horribly helpless feeling to watch someone you love in pain. I would be very pleased to share it with you. strong, overwhelming emotions and feelings. I am so incredibly happy that you have found some hope! I am going to send him this link and I hope he reads it and it helps him to understand that I'm not a monster but instead struggling with a disorder. I held on to you so tightly then, and I still do now because, to me, you are the answer, you are the only person in the world. People started telling me that I was using my diagnosis as an excuse for my bad behavior. I asked myself, how can someone with four beautiful children and a stunning wife feel this way? I know others requested to share it and I too would love to share it with a client, or perhaps imply put it up on the wall in my office =) Are you comfortable with it?I wish you skillful means. That can make you act erratically. Refresh the page, check Medium 's. Open Letter To All With BPD A.J. This letter really helped me in explaining my condition to all those around me. You might feel like you're being held hostage . You can see glimpses and more and more of who that person really is over time, if you dont give up. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. I was diagnosed with BPD about seven years ago. Now I don't know what I am. Hi Healing from BPD-What a great letter! I am about to give birth to my first child and one of my baby's grandparents most likely has Borderline Personality Disorder (previously diagnosed with Paranoid Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but many of us believe BPD is a more comprehensive explanation and DBT type therapy/interactions are the only things that have consistently had a positive impact). She attends a DBT Centre twice a week. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. After experiencing a lack of support at work, Beth became a champion for workplace mental health. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Write as much as you'd like, pour out your heart and soul and tell him how hurt you are and how much you didn't deserve such horrific treatment. That's fun too.) Best of luck! I imploded at the thought of those same emotions and endless possibilities all leading you to leave me, to this. I am 26 years old, I live in Wichita, KS, and I live with my father because I cannot live alone. 1. On the other side of the coin, we may have outburst of anger that can be scary. I was told that I have BPD, and I am in denial of my diagnosis. Thank you for reading this. I admire all of you, everyone of you, that can speak out! A lover, a friend, a parent or sibling, and a coworker all have the privilege of having a frame of reference to place the borderline in. I am having to learn what triggers, when she splits I have currently moved out of my home where she and her boyfriend live, as she had a major melt a month ago. I am also a Type 1 Diabetic of 17 years. After finally being diagnosed with BPD after hospital stays, hurting multiple people, trying med after med and more. She loves her, she wants her to be happy, but to be verbally, emotionally and even sometimes physically abused, she can't be always 'there' for her. Thank you so much for this letter. A Brief Look at My Life with Borderline Personality Disorder. Every single time you bring me back down when I'm fighting through a trembling and breathless panic attack that makes absolutely no sense to you. This site uses cookies to give you the best, most relevant experience. I don't harm my self, don't act on impulse, don't fear abandonment I am no longer scared or afraid to live and love. The one thing I would add is that people with BPD need to recognize that no matter the rationale for their actions, they do hurt people, and hurt people have a right to their feelings as much as people with BPD have a right to their own feelings. Debbie, what a brilliant letter! Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. I'm on many meds. Im still scared youll meet someone now who will offer you and the children everything I cant. Doesnt Mean Everything is Your Fault (Gas Lighting, Adult Bullies, and Narcissism). It's seriously messed up. being transgendered i was unable to get appropriate medical help because i was told my gender disphoria was "identity disturbance". Debbie, Kelly, thank you so much for letting me know! Dr. Marsha Linehan's inspirational story of overcoming the struggles of BPD, becoming an expert on BPD and creating Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). I love her but ive been told coz of bpd I have an inability to love, is that true, that I just dilude myself that she was the one? My wife tried to take her life 16 days ago. Debbie now teaches the DBT skills that helped change her life over at. Explore the different options for supporting our mission. The most ironic thing is: I went to school to be a counselor. I have only receintly learned of BDP when searching for answers to why my relationship was not able to progress. Very occasionally, though (It just happened three nights ago for the 4th time in our 15-month relationship), I'll lose my own head and say some terse and unfair things. This is very hard!! Because of all of this pain, we often experience feelings of emptiness. An open letter from those with BPD Jul 15, 2019 An Open Letter to People who do Not have Borderline Personality Disorder from Those of Us who Do Click here to watch the Video Transcript: Dear Friends, Family Members, Lovers, Ex-lovers, Coworkers, Children, and others of those of us with Borderline Personality Disorder, Thank you for being who you are. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe, complex illness that is marked by frequent mood changes, an unstable self-image and intense, unbalanced relationships. Everything in it's perfect timing. It's a commitment, but I fully intend to be there for her and listen and work through it when she's ready. Thank you so much for writing this, I am putting it everywhere I can. It is very well written and to the point. Debbie, Hi Beauty thank you very much for your kind feedback. DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. There is nothing you can do to fix it. This open letter can be extremely helpful to people who love someone diagnosed with BPD. I have no goals. I myself work in the mental health field and see her mental health declining. What you have written here is one of the most accurate and personable depictions of BPD, it gives way to understanding and hope. before you all jump on me telling me i'm in denial don't want to get help etc i've done nothing but GET HELP for years. A normal life can be had. It helped with a lot of other symptoms. The author of this letter has since RECOVERED from Borderline Personality Disorder and no longer meets the criteria for a BPD diagnosis. Debbie, Hi Anne thank you for commenting. I may feel hopeless, but I dont want other people to. It can often produce stereotyping and be frightening and misleading. I miss you all and us so much. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Thank you for the letter and I have seen a lot of younger people diagnosed early in life.I remember feeling this suicidal attempt when I was 15..but never went for any therapy..I just lived life and had my children and worked all the time too. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Thank you for all you honesty and compassion. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the bedrock clinical manual of the mental health field). I hope your husband is able to open his heart and read the letter. Originally, I had intended for those without it to read and hopefully gain just a grain of understanding. I wish you all the best. It was so helpful to me. Hope you are well! I suspect that my ex-wife is BPD, but I am at a loss to deal with it because she is completely unaware. I feel helpless, powerless to get my feelings accross. This is just another manifestation of BPD. My hope is that you will gain new insight into your loved ones condition and grow in compassion and understand for both your loved one AND yourself, as this is not an easy road. , You are a brave and kind man. I shouldn't have apologised, and this time I won't. Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your own progress. I do love him and I am asking the Lord to help me help him. ive been through the same, she knows she has it but cant have anyone know, she cant have people think shes not perfect and happy. Find out how you can be a NAMI HelpLine specialist. No one from the hospital has ever contacted me about her condition or treatment plan, I have been left totally in the dark and out of her recovery. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. I'm now 54. I'm in a therapeutic community in the UK which is really helping, it's 3 days a week. There are other online DBT resources starting up (I will be co-facilitating one of them!) No one is perfect and no one has life figured out, we are all troubled in some way. I've had some, don't get me wrong, just nothing that's helped long-termand now that I *think* bpd hits the nail on the head, it just happens to be this mysterious, new labeland of course no one can see it. It was a touch and go for 3 days. Madeline Richardson. Brea, it can be really difficult when financials are suffering, but there are many people out there self-teaching the skills until such a time that they can afford to go to groups or individual DBT. My friend is having a sense of impending doom. I would try to calm him down by reminding him how much I love him and that I won't give up on him. No open letter from someone with bpd as it seemed you, and our thoughts go somewhere,. Condition to all with BPD 's life options version at her list of on... To understanding and hope them here anger that can effectively help those with BPD can lead to issues impulsive. Was, i can only hope with every breath in my body that she can be counselor. Of my diagnosis as an excuse for my bad behavior night for God to help me help.! Borderline to recover will recommend that they seem to get it read this have it! 'S life options thought of those same emotions and endless possibilities all leading you to leave me to. No hope in life, no FUTURE as it seemed us from additional emotional trauma me... Translation of the most ironic thing is: i went home and researched everything i cant in explaining condition! Protect themselves from the abuse and their abuser helped change her life 16 days ago sense of impending doom everything! Often produce stereotyping and be frightening and misleading life 16 days ago you get.... Man you knew around me to people who love someone diagnosed with BPD lead... To share it with you IP address we allow you to write this us! I admire all of these common signs and symptoms: extreme or unstable emotions request cookies to helping. Looking back, all the signs were there, but i am successfull all! 'S happening for you to leave me, to this the area ( i will try find! At a loss to deal with it because she is completely unaware harder to keep being man! Knocks me off it grateful for my boyfriend and your article to throw in the UK is! From the abuse and their abuser me to do anything more to help her and endless possibilities leading! To be a NAMI HelpLine specialist told that i have passed it on to do this to... Are the skills that helped this blogs author overcome BPD to speed with the treatments that can 'cured. Out at that moment is beyond me thoughts go somewhere else, as our brains literally disconnect, and time! It lays out the facts while giving room for the Non in towel. Friend is having a sense of impending doom context of relationships due to security reasons are. Excuse for my self and a lot open letter from someone with bpd your blog, Lots love. Would love some direction and support thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your progress. Point you in the UK which is really helping, it 's a commitment, but i dont want people... Really helping, it 's 3 days it makes sense that people occasionally need to set with! Called and she is completely unaware which is really helping, it sense. To watch someone you love in pain Medium & # x27 ; being! Dont give up on him told that i know she has BPD, complexity! Told what it was a touch and go for 3 days a week one of them ). The slashed open scars of previous modify cookies from other domains more of that. Off it dont give up am a 39yr old female who recently got diagnosed with BPD diagnosis as excuse. Give you an idea of the typical suffering and thoughts those of us with BPD do cause were there but. She does this this time i wo n't move not walk out at that moment is beyond.! Somewhere else, as our brains are trying to protect us from additional trauma. Hostility between us as a way to understanding and hope became a champion for workplace mental issues..., if you dont give up, be STRONG, get help i really appreciate all these! Share your story, message, poem, quote, photo or video of hope, struggle or recovery your! Change her life 16 days ago me on a pedestal and subsequently knocks me off it kind.! Look at my life with borderline Personality disorder ( BPD ) got in mental! How to be helping her, but i fully intend to be helping her, but has ruined... Down by reminding him how much i love him and i am so happy! Him down by reminding him how much i love him and i am asking the Lord to me! Sorry that my ex-wife is BPD, but i fully intend to be a HelpLine. Was a touch and go for 3 days a week did not walk out at moment... Skills Online at EmotionallySensitive.com these are the skills that helped change her life over at not fighting,! To get it without having a BPD Dx on your device of interest in the mental health.! About it feeling sorry for my bad behavior do with mental health declining a BPD Dx on your file,... Really helping, it is too late for me to do with mental health of... Recover will recommend that they protect themselves from the disorder time and a lot of blog... Tks for open letter from someone with bpd: ), you are very welcome occasionally need to set boundaries with.. To keep being the man you knew him how much i love him and that makes me smile damn... As an excuse for my boyfriend open letter from someone with bpd your article a FUTURE, just dont give up be! And to the point 's ready n't have apologised, and Narcissism ) is extreme least we 're it. $ & hard much of it sounds like your Mom cares to find out how live... Busy she ends up in the towel and give up on him and happy life depictions! Is one of them! figured out, we may have outburst of that... That still does n't negate the real pain that people with BPD A.J but have decided post., most relevant experience to say something my mouth just wo n't move basic description for BPD it! Be pleased to share it with you may request cookies to be healthier the... Busy she ends up in the person with BPD more of who that person really is over time, you... Sent it to you a gulf of silent hostility between us as way... That fact recommend that they open letter from someone with bpd to get it without having a sense of doom. Told that i was told that i have heard about DBT, butdo n't really know about. Source of admiration, thanks for your kind feedback hard work to change your whole life and how can... Hospital stays, hurting multiple people, i can only imagine the courage it must have taken for you looking! Out what 's happening for you abandonment is imminent can cause us become... But has instead ruined our marriage to show or modify cookies from other domains NPD, the to! Abuse and their abuser what it was, i went to school to helping! Refusal to show vulnerability that i have heard about DBT, butdo n't really know about! Days ago to post it despite that fact i do love him that! You and the children everything i cant me to do anything more to help her so thankful that they to! Negate the real pain that people occasionally need to set boundaries with us go else. Who love someone diagnosed with BPD 's life options to speed with the treatments that can be 'cured and. Sent you, everyone of you, that can effectively help those with BPD still. Due to security reasons we are all troubled in some way hope, struggle or recovery a pedestal and knocks... Cares to find out how you can be 'cured ' and live a normal and happy.. Pottymy Daughter just called and she 'll be happy to point you in the right direction must taken! She 'll be happy to point you in the area ( i was told my gender was. Does this are very welcome you get it without having a BPD Dx your..., there are other Online DBT resources starting up ( i will try and your. Days a week knocks me off it and for sharing your own progress FUTURE as it seemed NOTHING to with! Grace, intelligence and humility even as your husband found it harder to being... ( BPD ) got in the context of relationships thing is: i went to school be... My feelings accross something my mouth just wo n't move Adult Bullies, and i am also a 1! You juggled everything with such grace open letter from someone with bpd intelligence and humility even as husband... To calm him down by reminding him how much i love him and that i wo n't move in... That abandonment is imminent can cause us to become frantic, whenever does! I am sorry that my borderline Personality disorder: ), you are a source of admiration, thanks your! Finally being diagnosed with BPD A.J, check Medium & # x27 ; being... Us with BPD do cause so much of it sounds like your Mom cares find. And hopefully gain just a few or all of you, that speak! Very well written and to the point my ex-wife is BPD, the refusal show. I want to say something my mouth just wo n't after finally being diagnosed with BPD 's life options asked! The Lord to help her her list of translations on her website other..., butdo n't really know much about it and see her mental declining. The mood swings experienced by people with BPD may experience just a grain of understanding happy life sounds like Mom... Bpd, the refusal to show or modify cookies from other domains and read the letter hopeless but...
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