Living with borderline personality disorder can be a huge challenge for all involved.
This is her story:
Sometimes I wish what I had was as real and tangible as alcoholism or drug addiction: there is something real to battle and win. Instead I have this intangible illness – this personality disorder – that affects everything I do. I can never be cured of Borderline Personality Disorder, that hurts everyone, and I just have to deal with it until it eventually kills me.
I wonder how many people who have Borderline Personality Disorder die of old age? I know it isn’t impossible, but I wonder what the odds are. Even if they don’t commit suicide, borderline habits can lead to early demise.
Don’t worry: I don’t intend to turn to alcohol. I can’t mix it with my medication. And I won’t turn to drug addiction. I rattle enough as it is, with my daily meds. No, those aren’t the only reasons. My illness hurts those around me enough as it is – why purposely add to that?
All I’m saying is that “15 years sober” sounds better than “15 years off my rocker.”
You are a strong, strong person and this post is amazingly insightful. Thank you!
I use recovery language for both addiction and mental health. I have 9 months, 11 days clean from substances bjt ive been recovering from mental health issues off and on for 20 years. With doctors, i refer to my bipolar disorder as being in remission. Find the language plan that works for you. There’s no rule for which words you can/can’t use to describe your experience.
Best of luck in finding peace and learning how to manage your condition.?
You are rocking your “sobriety!” I have a dream that one day mental illnesses will be acknowledged as being as real as a broken bone or cancer. Until then, keep fighting and we’ll all be here to cheer for you.