It’s the 21st century, and you would be correct to think that medical science has come a long way. When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder, however, you would be sorely mistaken.
It’s not that studies haven’t been done; they have. The challenge is far greater to overcome than a simple knowledge or research problem. The REAL challenge is the acceptance of this information by the medical and therapeutic community at large.
I know, I know, it sounds like I said the medical/therapeutic community doesn’t accept medical science when it comes to Borderline Personality. That would just be ridiculous, right?!
Unfortunately, that’s EXACTLY what I said, and it’s true.
Many people with BPD are seeking treatment and being told repeatedly to give up hope of recovery.
Some insurance companies are denying claims due to the illness being “untreatable.”
Families and parents are being told their BPD loved one is manipulative, abusive, and narcissistic because they have the diagnosis.
In fact, these are inaccurate assumptions. An overwhelming amount of research exists to prove them false.
Experts in Borderline Personality Disorder research and treatment have publicly denounced the harmful stereotypes on social media and in global conferences in an effort to reduce the stigma and provide more accurate information.
And yet, here we are, 2020 and still being fed fairy tales (or horror stories) about BPD from every side.
We get the picture that people with this illness are monsters and need to be avoided at all costs.
Finding help becomes an even bigger challenge when those who are meant to help you – doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers – believe that ugly picture.
The stigmatization is rampant but unnecessary.
Treatment professionals have a responsibility to educate themselves and adjust their approach, but all too often we find the same old pattern of stereotyping and alienation of the BPD sufferer.
“So the biggest challenge for those with a Borderline diagnosis wanting to get help is not finding treatment providers. Instead, it’s finding the one diamond in the rough who knows the facts about BPD, has done their research, and can see through the stigma in order to apply treatment effectively.”
With a knowledgeable provider, the recovery journey can be a little less intimidating and a little more inspired with hope and optimism. And hope contributes to healing!
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