I Recovered From Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and So Can You and Your Family!

My story is much the same as many others out there...I lost my family, and I almost lost my life, to the ravages of this illness. I experienced all the common symptoms such as suicidality, impulsivity, frantic attempts to avoid abandonment, raging, loss of jobs and more.

My family and relationships suffered greatly and I deeply wanted to die so the pain would stop.

Today, I frequently speak with groups about what it feels like to have this illness--the excruciating pain and racing thoughts that remind you constantly of painful events in life. I speak about the profound loneliness, grief and shame I experienced.

There was tremendous relief when I found out that my suffering had a name and that with some hard work, I could get better. I, like many others out there, had attended support groups and gone to therapist after therapist, but had never received a correct diagnosis.

There is a lot of scary, misinformation on the Internet and in bookstores about Borderline Personality Disorder. Don't believe it. The truth is, BPD is highly treatable. I, and many others, am living proof of this. But don't take my word for it...there is empirical evidence that supports this. Keep coming back to my site--I am adding a new page that cites current Borderline Personality Disorder research.

Whether it is you or someone you love that has Borderline Personality Disorder, know there is hope to become a healthy, calm, and generous person. There is help and support for family members as well. For example, there are many things you might say to someone with BPD that can greatly increase their distress. Likewise, many therapies cause more harm than good.

On the other hand, equipped with the right information, the whole situation can turn around. We can learn how to speak with one another, calm the dynamic down, lower the intensity and learn how to support and love one another.

Recovery takes careful planning. The correct therapy must be found and a holistic approach to recovery incorporated into life practices. One must find support, and get themselves or their loved one in to treatment.

I accepted my diagnosis, got into treatment, and did the work to get better. Many of us have! You can get your symptoms under control and can have warm, loving and trusting relationships.

Whether a family member or someone with the diagnosis, I can help.

If you are ready to get better, or ready to help a friend get better, contact me and I will coach you through finding the best and most effective treatment, support groups and a healthy approach to managing symptoms. We'll also work on improving relationships and fulfilling career choices.

In my book section you will find guides to finding (and keeping) friends, daily living using DBT skills, and how to take control of your thoughts, a concept that is central to healing.

Visit my "free articles and resources" tab for information on the latest research and helpful organizations. You will also find a video of my very personal speech to clinicians, many articles, and a transcript of my testimony to Members of Congress and their staffs.

Happy Healing! I did it. So can you!