Introduction to Laura Lewis, Author of ‘More Than Borderline’
Hello, everyone. I am happy to join HealthyPlace as a blogger on the More Than Borderline blog. My name is Laura, and I know about borderline personality disorder (BPD) from living with it for decades, as well as from working in the mental health field for 10 years and encountering many people with the diagnosis. It can be challenging to work with people who have BPD, but it is far more challenging to be the person who lives with the mental illness.
Do People with Borderline Personality Disorder Get Better?
A common belief among some professionals is that people with borderline personality disorder cannot get better. I am proof that borderlines can heal and learn coping skills to improve how they manage their lives. It takes rigorous honesty, both with self and with one's team of mental health professionals. Getting better is possible.
I Am More than Borderline
When I was first diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, I researched the topic of BPD thoroughly. I wanted to know as much as there was to know on the subject. One thing I remember reading is that borderlines, though they can be challenging to work with, also tend to be quite lovable and endearing people. I've always remembered that, and it, somehow, helps me to be more patient with myself when I show symptoms that I'm not proud of. The truth is, borderline personality disorder is not a character flaw. It is a mental illness with a list of troubling symptoms that too many people see as personality defects. Much education is needed, both to professionals and to those with the illness (3 Ways to Educate People About Borderline Personality Disorder).
You will get to know me as I use personal stories to illustrate different perspectives on BPD. I look forward to this new adventure and hope that you will join me in taking an honest and loving look at ourselves. Let's celebrate ourselves as the unique, loving, and beautiful people that we are.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Getting Better for 29 Years
Borderline Personality Disorder Playlist | https://goo.gl/AGr6dD
Find Laura on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and on her blog.
APA Reference
Lewis, L.
(2016, July 13). Introduction to Laura Lewis, Author of ‘More Than Borderline’, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/borderline/2016/07/introduction-to-laura-lewis
Author: Laura Lewis
I understand that very well. I too have BPD along with a few other mental illnesses and have been having a really hard time dealing with daily flare ups, as i call them. Mostly I'm dealing with shame, guilt, embarrassment. I'm having a lot of trouble with trying to find that fine line between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, reactions, and being able to express what I have going on inside. Any advise?
Thanks for your comment, Stephanie. I think it's very important to give ourselves credit for victories, large and small. What is cool is that you have enough self-awareness to even question if your behaviors and expressions are appropriate. Keep asking yourself the hard questions that lead to personal growth, and acknowledge yourself for doing so. Shame, guilt, and embarrassment are difficult for me to deal with, also. I have to remember to love myself no matter what I might feel, and no matter what mistakes I might make. I am still a worthwhile person.
I don't have BPD. My anxiety disorder is enough. Just add beer and I turn into an instant idiot. Wish you well on helping others.
Thank you, JohnT. It's about helping myself at the same time. We can all learn from each other. I wish you well, too.