Today was the first in my series of online events for people with, or who relate to, a diagnosis of BPD (regardless of how they feel about the diagnosis). Judging from the buzzing nature of the chat and the lovely feedback, I feel it was a success! Thank you to everyone who came along to listen and share their experiences with one another.
It felt satisfying for me to create this online space covering topics for discussion and reflection such as:
Thoughts on why it can be challenging to feel positively about yourself when you have a BPD diagnosis.
Space to reflect on your feelings about this diagnosis and how it sits in relation to your personal identity.
Insights into how I see, and feel about, my BPD diagnosis.
A strengths-based perspective of BPD, noting the positive qualities often seen abundantly in people with this diagnosis.
I valued reading many thoughts and reflections in the chat and it seemed the participants valued this aspect of the event too. One thing that stood out to me was how much we have in common with one another, even though we are of course individuals with our own lives, personalities and opinions.
I could hear just how painful and challenging it can be to have a diagnosis that is still largely misunderstood, has very few positive role models in the media and sometimes treated as unworthy of help by professionals. It makes me sad (and angry) that so many people have been told they can't receive help from mental health professionals for various reasons.
It felt important to me to have a few moments to reflect on how the diagnosis sits within your identity. I was also really happy that I could share my view that people with BPD often have numerous strengths such as:
Placing a high value on connection and relationships
Often very emotionally-generous
Often highly empathetic and can attune to others’ feelings
Determined and resilient (although I caveat this by saying that I wish we did not have to be so strong all the time and that help came more quickly and more easily all the time for everyone).
I could see it meant a lot for some people to have these acknowledged. Years of being called manipulative, attention-seeker, drama-queen and so on take their toll. It's hard sometimes not to believe what the stigma says.
If you came along, thank you. Thank you for generously sharing some very personal experiences in this event, supporting others and for trusting in the space. I hope this event made you feel more connected to others who may be going through similar feelings, and could be helpful for you in some small way.
Watch this space for more events coming soon such as:
Talking About BPD: Why is it hard to talk about it and what could make it easier?
When people I love want to help: challenges and how to make it work
As I mentioned, I would love to hear from you if you have any feedback or any thoughts to share. rosie@talkingaboutbpd.co.uk
Rosie x
Comments