Borderline personality disorder

[Steviie]

Hi everybody I just wanted to know if anyone else suffers or knows someone who suffers from this horrible mental health problem ? And want to know everybody's view on this personality disorder thanks

[Phil D. Rolls]

Hi everybody I just wanted to know if anyone else suffers or knows someone who suffers from this horrible mental health problem ? And want to know everybody's view on this personality disorder thanks

I've never fully understood what it is.

[Steviie]

I've never fully understood what it is.
Had a feeling someone would say this, due to the lack of information on it.

Borderline Personality Disorder is one of ten personality disorders recognised by the DSM IV.


A personality disorder is a type of mental illness and to be diagnosed particular criteria must be met. With personality disorders, the symptoms have usually been present for a long time. These symptoms have an overall negative affect on the sufferer’s life.


One of the core signs and symptoms in BPD is the proneness to impulsive behaviour. This impulsiveness can manifest itself in negative ways. For example, self-harm is common among individuals with BPD and in many instances, this is an impulsive act. Sufferers of BPD can also be prone to angry outbursts and possibly criminal offences (mainly in male sufferers) as a result of impulsive urges.


Another common feature of BPD is affective lability. This means that sufferers have trouble stabilising moods and as a result, mood changes can become erratic. Other characteristics of this condition include reality distortion, tendency to see things in ‘black and white’ terms, excessive behaviour such as gambling or sexual promiscuity, and proneness to depression.
(To learn more about symptoms and diagnostic criteria please go to the section on diagnostic criteria.)


These traits can sometimes make it very difficult for a person to maintain a relationship with someone with BPD as their behaviour and actions can be difficult to tolerate and hard to understand. It is important for persons close to a BPD sufferer to educate themselves on the condition so they can empathise with what the sufferer is going through and how they are feeling.


BPD is not usually diagnosed before adolescence. It has been suggested that BPD symptoms can sometimes improve as time goes on or even disappear all together. This is not always the case however as BPD can continue to affect sufferers well into later life.


Traits from other mental illnesses and psychological conditions from the DSM IV can often co-exist in BPD patients. These are usually anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).


Is Borderline Personality Disorder a mental illness?


Yes! A mental illness is an illness that affects a person’s behaviour primarily rather than their physical well-being. BPD is considered by medical practitioners to be a severe psychiatric disorder. It is recognised as such by the DSM IV.


Mental illness is often not taken as seriously as physiological illness even though it is very common and can be very debilitating. It is often viewed as moodiness, craziness or a weakness when it is in fact a genuine illness that can be caused by physiological factors. People have as much control over developing a mental illness as they do over catching a cold. Like physical illness, mental illness needs treatment and is not something that someone can just will to go away.


Why the name Borderline?


The name borderline was coined by Adolph Stern in 1938. This name was used to describe patients who were on a ‘borderline’ between neurosis and psychosis. However, the symptoms of BPD are not so simplistic as to be defined in terms of neurotic and psychotic. The diagnosis of BPD is based upon signs of emotional instability, feelings of depression and emptiness, identity and behavioural issues rather than signs of neurosis and psychosis. However, the name Borderline has remained even though the definition has changed. Throughout Europe, the same disorder has been given the more appropriate and less misleading title of ‘Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.’

[speedy_gonzales]

Reading the above, I think I have a close friend that ticks all the box's. He is a really good mate, top bloke, bit he has mental issues. Currently on anti-depressants, has been for a while.
He is a very excitable character, always on the go, serial ****ger, always going on dates but can't be with the same person too long as he's never satisfied/comfortable, always wanting better/more. I think he has 'cheated' in every relationship he has had!
Unfortunately he has a kid from a previous relationship, he wants to be a good dad but 'mum' won't let him get near the kid
Impulsive, his 4yr old car developed a tiny wee rattle from the suspension, that was his cue to buy a new car!
He sometimes feels worthless although he could have a lot going for him, he always puts himself down, doubting his own abilities , next minute he is so high you could scrape him off the ceiling!
Depression is a complicated illness and I may be reading too much into it but my friend certainly seems to have more in common with BPD rather than the run of the mill 'depression'.

[Steviie]

Reading the above, I think I have a close friend that ticks all the box's. He is a really good mate, top bloke, bit he has mental issues. Currently on anti-depressants, has been for a while.
He is a very excitable character, always on the go, serial ****ger, always going on dates but can't be with the same person too long as he's never satisfied/comfortable, always wanting better/more. I think he has 'cheated' in every relationship he has had!
Unfortunately he has a kid from a previous relationship, he wants to be a good dad but 'mum' won't let him get near the kid
Impulsive, his 4yr old car developed a tiny wee rattle from the suspension, that was his cue to buy a new car!
He sometimes feels worthless although he could have a lot going for him, he always puts himself down, doubting his own abilities , next minute he is so high you could scrape him off the ceiling!
Depression is a complicated illness and I may be reading too much into it but my friend certainly seems to have more in common with BPD rather than the run of the mill 'depression'.

How is he at holding down a job? Also he should ask to get assets and get the help he needs. I was diagnosed with bpd after years of wondering what on earth was wrong I received dbt and re programmed my mind in a way. Now I am a different person and don't need meds to feel better. Please be aware that meds won't do anything. Maybe take his sadness away but his way of thinking is awful and meds won't change that. He needs dbt and he needs a lot of support

[speedy_gonzales]

How is he at holding down a job? Also he should ask to get assets and get the help he needs. I was diagnosed with bpd after years of wondering what on earth was wrong I received dbt and re programmed my mind in a way. Now I am a different person and don't need meds to feel better. Please be aware that meds won't do anything. Maybe take his sadness away but his way of thinking is awful and meds won't change that. He needs dbt and he needs a lot of support
DBT? Will have a wee look at what that is.
As for jobs, he has a trade, so always get by on 'homers' but the trade was getting him down so gave it up as a full time job 12 years ago, he started a new career, he always seems to get decent money but never stays in a job long enough to 'fit in'. He recently started a new job with the NHS, handled about 3 weeks then everything got too much, he claims he wasn't getting enough over the shoulder training for what is quite a menial job but it is all based on experience and knowledge gained. His Dr has signed him off for a month but as he is only probationary he is only getting statutory sick pay!
Some times when I see him he is in such good fettle that you would never suspect anything is wrong but as I've known him so long, I can see he is on edge. There are times when we are in new company that people ask if he is 'on' something, to be honest, it would look to randoms that he is on amphetamine or something similar but I know that's just 'him'.
I've learned over the years that you don't have to be down in the dumps to be depressed!

[Killiehibbie]

I've been through lots of these symptoms but they disappeared when I grew up a bit and stopped being a bevvied arse.

[SRHibs]

Reading the above, I think I have a close friend that ticks all the box's. He is a really good mate, top bloke, bit he has mental issues. Currently on anti-depressants, has been for a while.
He is a very excitable character, always on the go, serial ****ger, always going on dates but can't be with the same person too long as he's never satisfied/comfortable, always wanting better/more. I think he has 'cheated' in every relationship he has had!
Unfortunately he has a kid from a previous relationship, he wants to be a good dad but 'mum' won't let him get near the kid
Impulsive, his 4yr old car developed a tiny wee rattle from the suspension, that was his cue to buy a new car!
He sometimes feels worthless although he could have a lot going for him, he always puts himself down, doubting his own abilities , next minute he is so high you could scrape him off the ceiling!
Depression is a complicated illness and I may be reading too much into it but my friend certainly seems to have more in common with BPD rather than the run of the mill 'depression'.

He sounds pretty reprehensible, to be honest.

[CropleyWasGod]

He sounds pretty reprehensible, to be honest.

Thank you, Dr Freud. :rolleyes:

[SRHibs]

Thank you, Dr Freud. :rolleyes:

Sorry, but cheating is extremely hurtful and having BPD isn't a justification. I guess my input was uncalled for, though.

[CropleyWasGod]

Sorry, but cheating is extremely hurtful and having BPD isn't a justification. I guess my input was uncalled for, though.

It is also extremely hurtful for someone with mental health issues to be dismissed in that way. Ill-informed judgement like that only helps to reinforce stigma, and makes it even more difficult for people to seek help for their problems.

[SRHibs]

It is also extremely hurtful for someone with mental health issues to be dismissed in that way. Ill-informed judgement like that only helps to reinforce stigma, and makes it even more difficult for people to seek help for their problems.

I'm not furthering/reinforcing any stigma. The OP already stated that the person in question has already been receiving help. That said, impulse isn't an excuse for bad decisions, and people whose impulse is a manifestation of a mental illness can still have their actions called into question. I just don't like the way that the OP seems to be justifying his friend's actions.

[speedy_gonzales]

I just don't like the way that the OP seems to be justifying his friend's actions.
I'm not sure how you read that I was, one thing I have never done is be an apologist or a defender of his behaviour!

I have never been an advocate of using mental illness as an excuse for poor social behaviour, I have posted this before as my brother has clinically diagnosed mental health issues, even to this day I think a lot of my brothers issues are more to do with his recreational activities than a chemical imbalance within his head, but then I'm not the doctor!
My friend however, has no such excuse, his behaviour, to me, is irrational. He lacks a confidence in his abilities but he has a false confidence with women. I've known the guy for 12 years, and have not met or known anyone like him. He swears he wants to settle down like all his other mates, and he does honestly try, but then he finds an excuse no to be with the person, it might be a silly wee trait, or they way she suddenly dresses, then he looks for the exit door. His timings with terminating one relationship and starting the next are not always great, there is often an overlap!
The guy is far from perfect but as a mate he's sound, my wife adores him, but more in a little puppy sort of way rather than a shades of grey kinda way.

[Steviie]

DBT? Will have a wee look at what that is.
As for jobs, he has a trade, so always get by on 'homers' but the trade was getting him down so gave it up as a full time job 12 years ago, he started a new career, he always seems to get decent money but never stays in a job long enough to 'fit in'. He recently started a new job with the NHS, handled about 3 weeks then everything got too much, he claims he wasn't getting enough over the shoulder training for what is quite a menial job but it is all based on experience and knowledge gained. His Dr has signed him off for a month but as he is only probationary he is only getting statutory sick pay!
Some times when I see him he is in such good fettle that you would never suspect anything is wrong but as I've known him so long, I can see he is on edge. There are times when we are in new company that people ask if he is 'on' something, to be honest, it would look to randoms that he is on amphetamine or something similar but I know that's just 'him'.
I've learned over the years that you don't have to be down in the dumps to be depressed!

Well I would suggest if he is having problems holding down work he should apply for ESA (employment and support allowance) it is for people who have physical and mental health problems. So maybe he can look into that. Then try and get him to go to his GP, and asked to be referred to the couminty and mental health team where he can be assets for BPD and then can receive DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) because he will need to change his way of thinking

[Steviie]

I've been through lots of these symptoms but they disappeared when I grew up a bit and stopped being a bevvied arse.

Then you obviously have never had BPD then.

[Steviie]

I'm not furthering/reinforcing any stigma. The OP already stated that the person in question has already been receiving help. That said, impulse isn't an excuse for bad decisions, and people whose impulse is a manifestation of a mental illness can still have their actions called into question. I just don't like the way that the OP seems to be justifying his friend's actions.
Having bpd is not an excuse for cheating. I agree with that. But what you have to remember is people with BPD have poor impulse control, due to well poor impulse control. If you saw a brain scan of my brain compared to a non bpd brain you would see from the chemicals on the part where my emotion and impulse (I don't know the name) control, I have lack of chemicals and can't help it. Just like I can not help feeling a tiny bit suicdal when I am around knives or a busy road. But rather then stuffing my face full of meds and numbing (so to speak) the problems I have I go to my therapist twice a week and a hospital once a week and recieve dbt to try and re program my mindset and I must say I have improved but I always will have it
Ito will just control it better once I get those good chemicals from dbt:) And well if his friend does have BPD then you have to make allowances because it would be the right thing to do. I didn't ask for the mental health problems I have. People make allowances for people in wheel chairs who were born with the problems they've got, why not people with mental health problems. Legit people. Just because you can't see it does not mean it isn't there

[Steviie]

I have posted down below videos to help people understand bpd

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iraGmA7-9FA

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=967Ckat7f98

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Do6owMR1hSY

[speedy_gonzales]

I have posted down below videos to help people understand bpd

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iraGmA7-9FA

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=967Ckat7f98

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Do6owMR1hSY

Thanks for that Steviie!

[Phil D. Rolls]

Having bpd is not an excuse for cheating. I agree with that. But what you have to remember is people with BPD have poor impulse control, due to well poor impulse control. If you saw a brain scan of my brain compared to a non bpd brain you would see from the chemicals on the part where my emotion and impulse (I don't know the name) control, I have lack of chemicals and can't help it. Just like I can not help feeling a tiny bit suicdal when I am around knives or a busy road. But rather then stuffing my face full of meds and numbing (so to speak) the problems I have I go to my therapist twice a week and a hospital once a week and recieve dbt to try and re program my mindset and I must say I have improved but I always will have it
Ito will just control it better once I get those good chemicals from dbt:) And well if his friend does have BPD then you have to make allowances because it would be the right thing to do. I didn't ask for the mental health problems I have. People make allowances for people in wheel chairs who were born with the problems they've got, why not people with mental health problems. Legit people. Just because you can't see it does not mean it isn't there

You feel suicidal around roads and knives, yet you don't act on the impulse - is it fair to say that you have a degree of control over your actions?

To me, if you know what you are doing is wrong, but still do it (talking in general here) then that is a choice you have made. Conversely if you have a condition that distorts your perception of reality then you are mad, and don't have responsibility.

Don't get me wrong, I would not want to live the life of a BPD sufferer - however, one of the things that always strikes me is that they rarely take responsibility for what they do - it's always something or someone elses fault, and they have a limited insight into how their actions affect others.

I admire you for making the effort to tackle your problems, like all mental illness, the key to recovery is in your hands. Keep up your hard work, and I am sure that you will begin to find life more tolerable.

By the way, the difference between a BPD sufferer and a person in a wheelchair, is that the BPD sufferer has the tools to adjust to their environment. The person in the wheelchair will probably never walk again, because it is impossible. Like I say, focus on what you are able to do to make things better.

[Killiehibbie]

Then you obviously have never had BPD then.You're probably right and the vast majority of people who use this as an excuse for their behaviour probably don't either.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Here's a useful link and a good starting point for people wanting to know more about BPD.

http://www.samh.org.uk/mental-health-information/mental-health-problems-explained#personality-disorder

Here's two specialist sites, I don't know much about them, but SAMH are excellent. They have a helpline that you can call.

http://www.nsfscot.org.uk/
http://www.rethink.org/

[Steviie]

You're probably right and the vast majority of people who use this as an excuse for their behaviour probably don't either.

How could someone use it as an excuse when they have been diagnosed by a mental health expert and when there is scientific proof out there that the brain scans from people who suffer from this mental illness is different from non bpders . It's not excuses its facts

[SRHibs]

You feel suicidal around roads and knives, yet you don't act on the impulse - is it fair to say that you have a degree of control over your actions?

To me, if you know what you are doing is wrong, but still do it (talking in general here) then that is a choice you have made. Conversely if you have a condition that distorts your perception of reality then you are mad, and don't have responsibility.

Don't get me wrong, I would not want to live the life of a BPD sufferer - however, one of the things that always strikes me is that they rarely take responsibility for what they do - it's always something or someone elses fault, and they have a limited insight into how their actions affect others.

I admire you for making the effort to tackle your problems, like all mental illness, the key to recovery is in your hands. Keep up your hard work, and I am sure that you will begin to find life more tolerable.

By the way, the difference between a BPD sufferer and a person in a wheelchair, is that the BPD sufferer has the tools to adjust to their environment. The person in the wheelchair will probably never walk again, because it is impossible. Like I say, focus on what you are able to do to make things better.

:agree::agree:

[Steviie]

You feel suicidal around roads and knives, yet you don't act on the impulse - is it fair to say that you have a degree of control over your actions?

To me, if you know what you are doing is wrong, but still do it (talking in general here) then that is a choice you have made. Conversely if you have a condition that distorts your perception of reality then you are mad, and don't have responsibility.

Don't get me wrong, I would not want to live the life of a BPD sufferer - however, one of the things that always strikes me is that they rarely take responsibility for what they do - it's always something or someone elses fault, and they have a limited insight into how their actions affect others.

I admire you for making the effort to tackle your problems, like all mental illness, the key to recovery is in your hands. Keep up your hard work, and I am sure that you will begin to find life more tolerable.

By the way, the difference between a BPD sufferer and a person in a wheelchair, is that the BPD sufferer has the tools to adjust to their environment. The person in the wheelchair will probably never walk again, because it is impossible. Like I say, focus on what you are able to do to make things better.
Well I obvious cant speak for other people with bpd but when i didn't receive any treatment for it I was bad and couldn't and still can't be alone when it comes to being around knives and being outside. But now I can control it to an extent because I have received dbt. I'm really sorry but a personality disorder is difficult because when a person with bpd is talking to you it can sometimes feel you are talking to more then two people and that is due to a thing called schemamodes, now when a person is changing from on to another modes it can happen in a second but not always like that a person is trying to control there feelings but can't due to poor impulse control. And because they are switching rom the healthy adult to the risky child or angry child. Also being said I am one of the lucky ones when it comes to bpd. Some bpders don't admit they have a problem. I really admire you for giving me your views on the situation but with all due respect I feel you should perhaps read a little bit more on personality disorders in general to get a more full insight of it. Also it might be that you have. It might be these are just one of these things where you need to live it to believe it. Relating to the previous remark I am one of the lucky ones because I knew I had a problem I guess it's just who I am. With that being said I had to adjust to the world and I still do I still have my paranoia. Delusions, judgemental ways of thinking but I still stick to my help because I have learned through dbt that doing the right thing is more important, I also want to state that if you feel there are people out there who use bpd as an excuse then I'm sorry but your point is invalid. If this was the case then why would people with this personality disorder even be diagnosed in the first place. They would be seen right through. Anyway thanks again for your view and all the best

[SRHibs]

I understand fully that impulses can be hard to go against, but the fact is, these people are still capable of reasoning, despite their illness. They're still capable of observing the fact that cheating, for example, is morally abhorrent, and can act accordingly. Until it gets to the point where they're having SEVERE symptoms - dissociation or psychotic symptoms - they can't just be absolved because they're sufferers of BPD.

[Killiehibbie]

How could someone use it as an excuse when they have been diagnosed by a mental health expert and when there is scientific proof out there that the brain scans from people who suffer from this mental illness is different from non bpders . It's not excuses its factsYou might find there is another school of thought amongst other professionals that dispute these findings.

[Phil D. Rolls]

How could someone use it as an excuse when they have been diagnosed by a mental health expert and when there is scientific proof out there that the brain scans from people who suffer from this mental illness is different from non bpders . It's not excuses its facts

Please don't think I am being judgemental, I'm trying to encourage you in your battle. I'm sorry if you thought that I was saying you don't have a problem. I certainly wouldn't want to deal with the problems you face, it must be hard to feel settled and happy.

I have to say I haven't heard of a brain scan that can prove any psychiatric illness, it is very hard to quantify the levels of things like Serotonin and other neurotransmitters in your brain. A scan - at best would show how your brain is working at that point in time.

My understanding of personalitty disorders is that the person's decsion making is what causes the problems. That is why you have to keep up the hard work you are doing with the psychologist.

At the end of the day it is about adapting yourself to what is around you. Actions have consequences, acceptance and taking respomsibility are things that everyone has to deal with. You have the right to make mistakes, and you have the power to take control of your life.


Well I obvious cant speak for other people with bpd but when i didn't receive any treatment for it I was bad and couldn't and still can't be alone when it comes to being around knives and being outside. But now I can control it to an extent because I have received dbt. I'm really sorry but a personality disorder is difficult because when a person with bpd is talking to you it can sometimes feel you are talking to more then two people and that is due to a thing called schemamodes, now when a person is changing from on to another modes it can happen in a second but not always like that a person is trying to control there feelings but can't due to poor impulse control. And because they are switching rom the healthy adult to the risky child or angry child. Also being said I am one of the lucky ones when it comes to bpd. Some bpders don't admit they have a problem. I really admire you for giving me your views on the situation but with all due respect I feel you should perhaps read a little bit more on personality disorders in general to get a more full insight of it. Also it might be that you have. It might be these are just one of these things where you need to live it to believe it. Relating to the previous remark I am one of the lucky ones because I knew I had a problem I guess it's just who I am. With that being said I had to adjust to the world and I still do I still have my paranoia. Delusions, judgemental ways of thinking but I still stick to my help because I have learned through dbt that doing the right thing is more important, I also want to state that if you feel there are people out there who use bpd as an excuse then I'm sorry but your point is invalid. If this was the case then why would people with this personality disorder even be diagnosed in the first place. They would be seen right through. Anyway thanks again for your view and all the best

Please don't think I am belittling your suicidal thoughts. It must be scary for you if you really can't control these. But you haven't committed suicide yet! Take strength from the thought that you are a survivor. I have quite a lot of experience of personality disorders, and I have great respect for the way you are trying to make sense of it, if you can believe in the strength that you have to have got this far in life, you will develop the confidence to take control of yourself.

I have to say that I have seen people who use their BPD to escape justice and to give up trying. I can see that you are not one of them. You obviously want to change, and I'm sure you are getting great support from CPNs, and others. I think you should ask their thoughts on whether talking about yourself in a forum where people have differing views is the best thing at this point in time.

As you know, not everyone believes in BPD, and maybe you aren't strong enough yet to accept their views. Personally, I am open minded. I know that most of the people who have BPD have usually had difficult lives, and people should accept that if they came through the same situations they might have the same problems.

Keep your head up, you have been really brave in talking about it.

[Steviie]

Please don't think I am being judgemental, I'm trying to encourage you in your battle. I'm sorry if you thought that I was saying you don't have a problem. I certainly wouldn't want to deal with the problems you face, it must be hard to feel settled and happy.

I have to say I haven't heard of a brain scan that can prove any psychiatric illness, it is very hard to quantify the levels of things like Serotonin and other neurotransmitters in your brain. A scan - at best would show how your brain is working at that point in time.

My understanding of personalitty disorders is that the person's decsion making is what causes the problems. That is why you have to keep up the hard work you are doing with the psychologist.

At the end of the day it is about adapting yourself to what is around you. Actions have consequences, acceptance and taking respomsibility are things that everyone has to deal with. You have the right to make mistakes, and you have the power to take control of your life.



Please don't think I am belittling your suicidal thoughts. It must be scary for you if you really can't control these. But you haven't committed suicide yet! Take strength from the thought that you are a survivor. I have quite a lot of experience of personality disorders, and I have great respect for the way you are trying to make sense of it, if you can believe in the strength that you have to have got this far in life, you will develop the confidence to take control of yourself.

I have to say that I have seen people who use their BPD to escape justice and to give up trying. I can see that you are not one of them. You obviously want to change, and I'm sure you are getting great support from CPNs, and others. I think you should ask their thoughts on whether talking about yourself in a forum where people have differing views is the best thing at this point in time.

As you know, not everyone believes in BPD, and maybe you aren't strong enough yet to accept their views. Personally, I am open minded. I know that most of the people who have BPD have usually had difficult lives, and people should accept that if they came through the same situations they might have the same problems.

Keep your head up, you have been really brave in talking about it.

God bless you

[Steviie]

I have to say I haven't heard of a brain scan that can prove any psychiatric illness, it is very hard to quantify the levels of things like Serotonin and other neurotransmitters in your brain. A scan - at best would show how your brain is working at that point in time.



Take alook at this please http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_3Iq5F95Xg

Thanks again for your kind words

[CropleyWasGod]

I'd like to echo what FR said about opening up on here.

Similar to the thread we had a couple of weeks ago about depression, this shows the value of message boards, with the semi-anonymity that they have. They can be a valuable tool in allowing people to express themselves without over-exposure and, perhaps more importantly, to find out that there are others out there who empathise and have similar experiences. That can be a great comfort.

Good luck :agree:

[Phil D. Rolls]

Take alook at this please http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_3Iq5F95Xg

Thanks again for your kind words

That's interesting, thanks. I don't like to form opinions on one piece of evidence, but it's certainly made me want to find out more.

[Scouse Hibee]

I've been through lots of these symptoms but they disappeared when I grew up a bit and stopped being a bevvied arse.

Having just read this entire thread including your comments, I conclude that you haven't yet grown up and are still being an arse bevvied or not.

[Killiehibbie]

Having just read this entire thread including your comments, I conclude that you haven't yet grown up and are still being an arse bevvied or not.If you'd had to deal with people who use, some would say not even real, conditions such as this to excuse their behaviour you might have a different opinion.

[Scouse Hibee]

If you'd had to deal with people who use, some would say not even real, conditions such as this to excuse their behaviour you might have a different opinion.

This thread was started about a genuine condition and was receiving interesting feedback/questions about that condition, but you had to come in with a totally disrespectful remark which made you look like an erse.
The fact that you then mention in your defence your experiences of people using or making up this condition or similar conditions is irrelevant and offers no suitable contributuon to the thread. And for the record, I spent ten years dealing with difficult people from various backgrounds including mental illness, addiction and the homeless and I still don't have a different opinion on your silly remarks.

[HibeeN]

If you'd had to deal with people who use, some would say not even real, conditions such as this to excuse their behaviour you might have a different opinion.

But you're belittling the people that do have real conditions such as this by your comments. For many people it's not just a phase they grow out of, it's a problem that they have to struggle with every day.


I understand fully that impulses can be hard to go against, but the fact is, these people are still capable of reasoning, despite their illness. They're still capable of observing the fact that cheating, for example, is morally abhorrent, and can act accordingly. Until it gets to the point where they're having SEVERE symptoms - dissociation or psychotic symptoms - they can't just be absolved because they're sufferers of BPD.

Controlling impulses are easier said than done. It can be a similar feeling to being addicted to something - you can know something is bad for you but do it anyway, even though you can reason against it. And of course there is a self-destructive aspect of it when you do something because you know it is wrong, rather than despite it.

Obviously there are two sides to the coin - people shouldn't use personality disorders as an excuse for their behaviour, but neither should sufferers of a personality disorder have their struggles minimised.