Borderline personality disorder, also know by the acronym BPD, can be a devastating illness without proper emotional and practical support. Some of the best sources of borderline personality disorder support come from medical professionals, friends and families of other sufferers, and family therapy support groups. Non-profit organizations and mental health hospitals provide borderline personality disorder support for patients and their families by helping with referrals, benefits applications, and providing crisis services.
Anyone suffering the effects of mental illness may feel isolated from friends and family due to the damage the illness can inflict on relationships. For that reason, it can be helpful to join a borderline personality disorder support group. While it may be obvious that the patient benefits from the support of others in the group, what may not be so obvious is that the patient can receive a boost in autonomy by helping others and being a role model to others who may be just starting the path to recovery.
Other sources of borderline personality disorder support may come from volunteers working in borderline personality disorder organizations. Volunteers can help a patient navigate the mazes of medical paperwork, identify resources, and help with applying for benefits. In a crisis, volunteers can refer patients to helplines where experienced therapists can help the patient through an emotional or personal problem. Helpline volunteers may also refer to emergency services if needed.
Friends and family of the borderline personality disorder patient often experience upheavals in relationships as a result of the disease. They may need to join a support group composed of relatives and spouses of people with the disorder to help relieve some of the stress they may be feeling. Support groups can be an invaluable resource and a safe place to voice concerns, ask questions, and discuss medications and therapy options.
Although there are many support groups in most cities and even in small towns, some patients or relatives and spouses of patients may either be too far away to attend a group or too uncomfortable. For those people, there are many online borderline personality disorder support communities, including forums, newsletters, and other groups. These may be found through an Internet search on bipolar personality disorder support groups.
Patients with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of suicide if symptoms are not treated and addressed. It’s important to watch for suicide signs and have a list of resources available. Although the condition may seem overwhelming at times, the good news is that it can be managed with therapy, support, and medications. Many patients have fully recovered from their illnesses and led happy, fruitful lives.