Mental Illness Including Borderline Personality Disorder
Free to be Me!
Stigma of Mental Illness
In days gone by the diagnosis of Mental Illness meant you were headed straight for the funny farm. People were ashamed and fearful of being diagnosed with any type of mental illness.
Back in the day, a person with a mental illness was thought to have more than a few screws loose. There was a shroud of mystery and fear surrounding the stigma of Mental Illness.
Today the stigma of mental illness has come out of the darkness and into the light of revelation and understanding.
Mental Illness
There are many definitions for people diagnosed as mentally ill but the bottom line is that it is an illness that affects the mind and the emotions resulting in the interference of your ability to carry on normal responsibilities.
The root of mental disorders stem from a whole host of origins and is not limited to the psychological but extends to biochemical, genetics, traumas, head injuries and more.
Most types of mental illnesses encompass symptoms which are experienced by everyone. The difference between mental illness and mental moments is in the length and intensity of symptoms. When symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress get out of control they become a mental disability which evolves from bothersome symptoms into mental illness. When these symptoms take over a person's life It is imperative to seek professional help.
List of Mental Illnesses
A simple yet brief list of types of mental illnesses follows:
- Anxiety-a feeling of unrest and a sense of dread and fear which can lead to phobias.
- Tic disorders, involuntary body movements or sounds
- Mood Disorders-including bi-polar and clinical depression
- Psychotic Disorders-including Schizophrenia
- Impulse Control Disorders-skipping the thought process to get immediate satisfaction which may lead to addictions
- Dissociative Disorders-formally known as multiple personality disorder
Although the definitions above are in no way complete, I wonder if you identify with any of the descriptions? If you do identify with the symptoms listed, have these symptoms begun to take over your life or your ability to cope? If so .. Take action!
Make sure you do not let the fear of 'stigma' influence your decisions. Forget the fear of heading to the funny farm. We are living in an age of enlightenment where miraculous treatments and support are available.
Your Mind is Part of Your Body
If you had a broken leg, would you just live with it or would you go to your physician? Of course, you would get help from your doctor.
Have you ever considered your mind as being a part of your body?
The truth is your mind IS part of your body and deserves the same attention any other member of your body receives. If it is not functioning, if it has been hurt ... it too deserves your attention. If your mental state is interfering with your everyday life it is time to get answers and seek counsel.
The specialist for the mind is called a psychologist. He is trained in coming alongside the patient to help him identify the symptoms, bring understanding on what is happening, look for the causes and work with you toward a solution.
The medical physician, for the mind, is called a psychiatrist. He is an expert who will be able to diagnose and treat your symptoms medically. With the help of physician's, counselor's and mental health groups the alarming symptoms will be addressed and you will find answers, treatments, and solutions to help you live your life to its fullest.
Mental Illness is no longer a life sentence, it is a treatable condition that can be controlled and managed. Begin today to take charge of your mental condition.
What to Do If You Think You are Mentally Ill
Getting a professional evaluation is a key to determining the cause of your psychological symptoms and obtaining proper treatment.
The website I have posted above provides an online service to talk to a Christian professional. It is important that you learn all you can about how you function.
If something is 'off' don't condemn yourself or be afraid. It is you and you have always been you. Don't be afraid of yourself. Learn how best to take care of yourself - body, mind, and spirit.
Stop Walking on Eggshells / Get Me Out of Here
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
For purposes of application and implications, I'd like to take an up close and personal look at just one type of Mental Illness, Borderline Personality Disorder. Mental Illness affects everyone associated with the person afflicted with this disorder.
If you live with someone who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder you may feel your life is spinning out of control. This personality disorder has many symptoms and is confusing to those close to the one afflicted.
A person with Borderline Personality can make YOU feel like you are the one with the problem. The borderline's reality see's everyone else as the problem. He lacks the ability to look inward and see the errors in his thinking. Borderlines are so good at making arguments and convincing statements that they can convince you that it is actually you going crazy.
The borderline is a master, manipulator. He actually enjoys turning people against each other. He/She is an expert at making everything look like it is YOUR fault. Don't buy it but learn how to cope with it and treat the behavior in a way that will help your loved one - not hurt himself/herself.
One huge and problematic response to living with a borderline is the very real possibility of becoming a co-dependent. If you are helping to break the fall for your loved one who has borderline personality disorder, if you are buying into the manipulation, or if you carry guilt that doesn't belong to you-you are contributing to the downward spiral of your loved one's demise. Co-dependence enables your loved one to continue on the same path and to become even better at what he/she thinks or does.
Learn how to put healthy boundaries in place that will protect your family and you. Do not allow your friend, child or spouse to mistreat you or your family. If you are already stuck in this cycle you are probably thinking, 'Oh, easy for you to say.' Would it help you to know I have walked in your shoes? I am urging you to seek resources to help you out of this cycle and into a healthy frame of mind.
I have included two excellent resource books for those living with or involved with a borderline. The first book called "Walking on Eggshells," will give you tools to know how to respond and help you to understand the crazy-making cycle you are living.
The second book, "Get Me out of Here," is written by a recovering borderline. The author shares her steps to recovery and gives the reader a peek into what is going on inside the head of one afflicted with borderline personality.
Do not try to handle this yourself. There are many resources available. Support groups for mental illnesses help you understand that you are not alone. There is hope - look for solutions, do your research and be please take your life back by being proactive.
Not All Help is what its Seems to Be
Whether you are dealing with mental illness or living with someone afflicted by it, I hope this hub has given you hope and courage to be strong and surround yourself with the many resources available.
There are ALL kinds of resources out there today and all kinds of specialists. May I encourage you to be wise and discerning? I am a Christian and all resources and tools I have sought have been from a Christian perspective. From experience, I have learned that a name doesn't always reflect what it supposedly represents.
Even while seeking Christian counseling and resources I called upon God, searched HIs word, consulted godly counselors and asked for His direction. Be aware that not all who claim to be Christian based go to God's Word as their foundation.
Be encouraged dear friend, there really are amazing mental health workers and resources available today. Doing nothing will keep you frozen in place. Move forward today and get the help you need.
Poll
Mental Illness
© 2009 Susan Ream