[TishaBuv]

I'm currently reading the BPD "classic". I am tempted to pick it apart, line by line, analyzing and defending my life's actions comparatively. Have you read it? Any thoughts?

[HeavyMetalLover]

That book actually TRIGGERED a lot of anger in me. I had to put it down and stop reading it because I got so angry. It seems to be written with a lot of prejudices towards those afflicted with BPD and repeatedly talks about "manipualation" as a classic BPD characteristic with no further explanation. That seems harsh and judgmental IMO. There are farbetter books out there on BPD that were written more recently and don't make "borderlines" out to be monsters.

I read it. And while I thought I related to some of it, it was also quite offensive in a way. I agree that it is written with a lot of prejudices, but it means well I guess...

[TishaBuv]

I think the descriptions are vague. For example: unstable and intense relationships-- well, what exactly does that mean? Maybe I am judging myself too harshly and my opinion of what that means is not as severe as what qualifies for the diagnosis.

[TishaBuv]

I've read everything I could on BPD since the possibility of my having it has been thrown around.

My gut tells me I do not have it. I don't have the black and white thinking or make desperate attempts to keep people from leaving.

I probably have OCD, and can't stop obsessing over this now. Thinking about everything that I ever did in my life and how it applies or is misinterpreted.

I probably have ADHD, and have successfully avoided doing tasks I don't want to do. From what I read about this, there are some symptoms that are similar to BPD.

I don't have problems getting along with people in general. If you read my posts on here, you'll see I have made friends, been helpful to others, been very nice.

I've suffered through a bad marriage. The stress has made me sick. I am going to be kind to myself. Let's see if I get better.

[TishaBuv]

Originally Posted by HeavyMetalLover

That book actually TRIGGERED a lot of anger in me. I had to put it down and stop reading it because I got so angry. It seems to be written with a lot of prejudices towards those afflicted with BPD and repeatedly talks about "manipualation" as a classic BPD characteristic with no further explanation. That seems harsh and judgmental IMO. There are farbetter books out there on BPD that were written more recently and don't make "borderlines" out to be monsters.

Yes, it made "Borderlines" (like they're not even humans) out to just be A holes.

[cmc3663]

I really liked the chapter on the borderline society. There is such a spectrum of people with BPD. Some are really sick and struggle to maintain any relationship without resorting to manipulation and emotional abuse. Some of us are closer to reality and want to get better and stop acting out. The author or the book is probably really biased.

[TishaBuv]

I can't believe he actually admitted to hoping his patient would commit suicide!

[optimistic_dolphin]

i read it, and it's the first book i read on BPD when i was newly diagnosed and wanted to learn about it. i read comments here which hates this book, but this book actually sheds light on my behaviour which i couldn't understand before, like i hate people leaving me when they are not literally leaving. Something that I can identify with and feel less like a person different from others.
well, i guess this book is just a reference for general knowledge but it can't be the totally 'correct' educational book for there is so much to learn about BPD.

[MobiusPsyche]

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

I'm currently reading the BPD "classic". I am tempted to pick it apart, line by line, analyzing and defending my life's actions comparatively. Have you read it? Any thoughts?

The same author has an updated book called "Sometimes I Act Crazy."

I read "I Hate You..." when I was newly diagnosed at age 18 and hated it. It really made me angry and made me think that no one would ever want to have any sort of relationship with me, if I were BPD. The depictions and descriptions of people with BPD were one-dimensional and that dimension was pretty awful. It did not help me and was one factor in my rejecting the diagnosis, and running from it, and not seeking help for the next twenty years.

However, my current therapist recommended "Sometimes I Act Crazy" and I can definitely recommend that book. The author still refers to people with BPD as "borderlines," rather than "people with Borderline Personality Disorder," and he shows several biases throughout the book...but it is a much more nuanced discussion of the disorder and I did find it helpful. It triggered a few "You're an idiot" reactions toward the author--for one, bisexuality being a sign of BPD--but those did not detract from the overall usefulness of the book.

Just my experiences.