Self-hatred is so strong with Borderline Personality that you can’t always see the hidden strength that comes with your disorder. I’m not glorifying the torturous experience you go through. However, recovery teaches you to recognize both the helpful and the harmful aspects of something. It’s how we get a more complete picture of reality.
“The complete reality of BPD is more than just pure pain and suffering. You have a brain that is uniquely adapted to pick up on information that a less sensitive person might ignore. Which means you are more likely to recognize when a friend is hurting, more capable of picking up on a subtle threat, and more in-tune to your environment.”
As you probably know, this is a blessing and a curse. But instead of focusing on the curse, let’s focus on the way these special traits give you the strength to do something powerful. They provide you with the passion and insight to recognize the needs of your loved ones and your community and respond by creating change.
Many people with Borderline Personality Disorder work in the caregiving, nursing, or pet-care industry. This is no coincidence. Many of us naturally gravitate toward loving and nurturing hurting people and animals out of our experiences with trauma and abuse.
“Suffering can provide you with overwhelming levels of compassion and empathy for others.”
But our strong emotions and our sensitivity to the hurts and needs of others also sparks passionate energy to create a world where there is less suffering altogether. Many people with BPD also contribute their time and resources to volunteer work, peer support, and advocacy.
Without your BPD brain, you may have avoided some suffering, it’s true. But with your BPD brain, you have a special hidden strength, a superpower. You can change the world and you are uniquely equipped to do so. Recovery is key… It will get you over the obstacles holding you back from your potential so you can grab onto your purpose and make the changes you so desperately want to see.
What an amazing read. Focusing on what we bring to the table! And I can personally vouch for Jade Stanton she is truly gifted and the real deal!
That’s good to hear! Thank you for your personal testimony. We think she’s pretty awesome too. 🙂
Beautifully written article that I agree with 100%!!! I’m already a volunteer at my local wellness center which is extremely rewarding. I’m also planning to be a Peer specialist and Life Coach with a niche, so my heart is full of compassion for others. At the same time, I’m keeping healthy boundaries and doing self care.
That’s fantastic, Candy. You epitomise the compassionate borderline side that we wish more people knew about. Good to hear you are also keeping up with the self-care. xx