Living with BPD: 35 to 50 years
We hope that in your heart of hearts, you know that there is hope. By now you will have had a lifetime struggle that you have worked so hard to manage. By now you might be feeling a bit tired and think that nothing will get better, you may think you have to learn to live with BPD. You however can still walk that pathway to recovery. It is the active support of a skilled therapist that can make such a big difference for you. And the more indirect support of those who love you and your community.
You will have learnt a lot about what can help you and what can frustrate your efforts. The challenge for you might be holding on to that elusive thought of hope and then actively engaging in the activities, practices and behaviours that contribute to you changing how you think and behave.
The keys to a more successful sense of recovery are:
- having the support of a skilled therapist, someone who has experience in successfully treating BPD,
- actively engaging in the process of recovery, and
- support that is non judgemental and positive – kind and caring
It is not easy to change a lifetime of habits, thoughts and behaviours, but it is possible. Seek out the support that will encourage you and not enable you.
Recovery:
The key to recovery is effective structured treatment and effective structured therapies share the following characteristics (according to the National Guidelines):
- The therapy is based on an explicit and integrated theoretical approach, to which the therapist (and other members of the treatment team, if applicable) adheres, and which is shared with the person undergoing therapy.
- The therapy is provided by a trained therapist who is suitably supported and supervised.
- The therapist pays attention to the person’s emotions.
- Therapy is focused on achieving change.
- There is a focus on the relationship between the person receiving treatment and the clinician.
- Therapy sessions occur regularly over the planned course of treatment. At least one session per week is generally considered necessary.
- Structured psychological therapies are effective when delivered as individual therapy or as group therapy.
Have you taken control of your journey to recovery? Do you have a file of your medical and mental health details, a record of who you have visited and what happened? It pays to keep as good a record as possible: then you can track your progress.
A good GP is helpful. If you are in a treatment vacuum, go to your GP and tell them. Say you believe you have BPD and you want a Mental Health Treatment Plan. They will ask a heap of questions, practice patience and answer as best you can. Ask for a referral for treatment. If you can’t afford a private psychologist, ask for a referral to the public system.
If you are uncomfortable with the GPs response, find another one and try again.
Finally, seek those who you can trust to share your journey with; hopefully you have a family that stands by you. Look to those who have a positive view of the world, avoid judgemental negativity. You need support in your journey. And, keep on that path to recovery, step by step. It is a journey worth taking.