Recovery
Recovery from BPD is a realistic goal.
It might be important to clarify the difference between 'cure' and 'recovery'. Cure is a medical term to describe the absence of symptoms. Recovery is the word to use to describe living a fulfilling life. Cure is defined for us by doctors, recovery is our own definition.
BPD Community considers recovery to be a flexible and fluid condition. It is much debated in relation to BPD. We look to Dr Marsha Linehan as an example of a person who had BPD and who has achieved recovery.
Recovery is achieved when a person is at ease within themselves, their closest relationships and with their community and society. At BPD Community our focus on 'relational support' supports recovery in a way not usually addressed in therapy. We work with people with lived experience and help them understand how they can improve their personal relationships within a BPD perspective.
Our research and experience tells us there is more than one path to recovery. At BPD Community our attention is given to relational regulation. We believe that it is by building our relationships with each other and within our community that we are able to build the support necessary to achieve recovery. Professional treatment is another essential element of recovery. The social supports, for example housing support and financial support, that may be necessary to enable a person to achieve their potential, can make a difference between living in recovery or not. Recovery does not look the same for everyone and it is not achieved alone.
resources:
books:
- Van Gelder, Keira: The Buddha and the Borderline.
In this memoir, Keira outlines her journey from a seriously ill self-harming young woman with BPD, to a highly regarded artist and author in full recovery. Her story is inspirational.
She is on UTube also: Beyond Remission: Mapping BPD Recovery.
youtube:
- Wang, Amanda: Rethinking BPD: A Patient’s View. This video just over 8 minutes long explains to us why love is not enough. Amanda is lead organizer of RethinkBPD, a peer-led advocacy and support group for Borderline Personality Disorder. She is an inspiration. Follow the video link.
- Lineham, Marsha: Rethinking BPD: A Clinician’s View. For 25 minutes, Marsha explains how Dialectical Behaviour Treatment came about and why it works. It is a fascinating talk. Follow the video link.
