[shakespeare47]

My T called me today because he had to change the date of our next session. He had some time and started a conversation with me and I was able tell him I didn't really like psychology sometimes because every diagnosis is so negative. I asked him what possible benefit could come from describing myself as someone who suffers from BPD. Among other things he said that many BPD sufferers tend to be good people at heart, but they have just had bad things happen to them. They learn defense mechanisms and ways of reacting to things that cause problems. When they start to understand the source of their problem behavior, they can improve. He also said that not long ago, many therapists didn't really like working with BPD, because they were difficult to reach. But, that attitude is changing.

It made me feel a lot better about myself.

I agree xxx I hope the stigma loosens. I'm a great person at heart but yeh bad things take their toll and I feel like a kid trapped in a lady body. Ah well. X

[Kimaya]

I think we are good people too... its such an irony how much pain we can cause.

I am a protector type and when I see people being hurt or treated unfairly I tend to jump in on their side. The amount of people who get hurt when I do goes up. Maybe that is why people stand by so often, not everyone is suited to be a hero... perhaps. No good deed goes unpunished, eh? But then the road to hell is paved with good intentions...

[trying2survive]

Originally Posted by shakespeare47

My T called me today because he had to change the date of our next session. He had some time and started a conversation with me and I was able tell him I didn't really like psychology sometimes because every diagnosis is so negative. I asked him what possible benefit could come from describing myself as someone who suffers from BPD. Among other things he said that many BPD sufferers tend to be good people at heart, but they have just had bad things happen to them. They learn defense mechanisms and ways of reacting to things that cause problems. When they start to understand the source of their problem behavior, they can improve. He also said that not long ago, many therapists didn't really like working with BPD, because they were difficult to reach. But, that attitude is changing.

It made me feel a lot better about myself.

i have to admit reading this makes me feel just a lil better too, unfortunately sometimes it feels like i'm just not getting any better.

[shakespeare47]

This is the same T who suggested that when an uncomfortable situation arises, I can always think to myself "what difference is this going to make to anyone 100 years from now?".

[ifst5]

I agree. We're not bad people, we just come from a bad place.