BPD 2.0: A Worldwide Movement

Something is happening on a grand scale.

Perhaps you've suspected it, or caught glimpses of it, but let me tell you...things are definitely changing!

Long, long ago (like thirty years)... BPD was considered untreatable. Then came empirically tested treatments. People started getting better...and better...and better. Then those with the diagnosis started sharing stories and began forming friendships.

Enter: social networking via the Internet and those friendships formed into entire groups and organizations and collective armies. For example, when I last checked: there were over a hundred Facebook groups for "BPD" or "Borderline". Add to that all the bloggers, Twitterers, web sites, forums, chat rooms...and, well, you get the idea. The numbers are staggering.

Equally fascinating to observe is the mix of interaction between those with the diagnosis, family members, and clinicians. I see us coming together to support and learn from one another in ways previously unimaginable. Our previous assumptions of the role of student/teacher and caregiver/patient is changing as we see our need for one another, desire greater peace and harmony and see how we are all part of a bigger picture.

Since the early days of my own recovery, I was afforded the opportunity to interface with many prominent clinicians and compassionate family members. It has always been my strong desire to bring us all together to learn from and support one another. Mine was the first web-site I know of that reached out, from the perspective of the one with the diagnosis, to all three categories. My on-line DBT skills training classes are powerful because we include all who are interested in this diagnosis, and we are learning buckets from one another.

Not only are former divisions being brought together, but we are connecting internationally. My Facebook group, Tami Green: Recovery From Borderline Personality Disorder is Possible! has members from all over the world. We share information on everything from self-care to treatment options, and also support one another 24 x 7. Our discussions are open to all three categories: those with the diagnosis, family members and friends, and clinicians.

Another big change is the research indicating the prevalence of the disorder. Until very recently, it was thought 2-3% of the population had BPD. But a more robust study indicates the rates hover near 6% of the population. Well...no wonder those with the diagnosis have often been regarded to be the highest "consumers" of mental health care.

From a free market perspective, consider how many opportunities there are to deliver quality goods and services to huge a market that has been ignored and misunderstood until recently.

Now, many with the disorder have developed a strong sense of self and better communication skills, and have become a bigger, more effective voice. Many are skillfully articulating not only the experience of living with the disorder, but also the need for solutions and support. As treatment and understanding lags far behind the demand, I believe the collective consumer voice will drive much of the research, training, and related commerce in the future. This is consistent with what we are seeing in health-care in general with Health 2.0 trending.

Not surprising, those with the diagnosis are rising up to meet these needs amongst their own population. A big part of the next wave of BPD recovery, or, as I call it, BPD 2.0, centers around peer led support and professional services.

No one is better prepared to speak to the needs of those with the disorder than those who themselves have recovered. I am speaking daily with coaches, physicians, therapists, activists, actors, hospital administrators and more who themselves have the diagnosis and are delivering more and more BPD recovery services.

From the day I launched my recovery coaching practice, my vision has been to train an entire army to provide peer led coaching. I have observed innately talented individuals bursting at the seams to give understanding, hope and answers to others. I am excited about training my first class of recovery coaches this fall. These are some remarkable individuals who I fully expect will impact recovery, research and perceptions in a big way.

Peer-led coaching remains my love and passion and I am deeply inspired by what I see happening in this arena. Even Harvard's McLean Hospital has jumped on board with has opened a new positive psychology and coaching initiative.

I believe this type of coaching strikes at the heart of BPD recovery. Old school analysis of past trauma kept us reliving trauma. We were already too good at that ourselves and it didn't work. And time has also shown us that managing the symptoms and behaviors are helpful, and vital in the early stages of recovery, but alone do not create a life worth living. But when we understand our own inherent value, develop compassion for others, and learn what we can contribute to life, then we have discovered the key to unlocking lasting happiness.

Onward my friends. We are in this together. And what a wonderful ride it is, if only we will allow it. There is much to celebrate, and much to do.

Welcome to the next wave.

As always, with much love and gratitude,

Tami Green