“Just do your best for you! Never forget that’s your #1 job.”

Share your stigma experience.

When I told my sisters my diagnosis was Borderline Personality Disorder, they were horrified. “Don’t tell people that!” They said. “Anything is better than that!” That was 10 years ago. One of my sisters walked away from her family and moved overseas with her lover. The other is now addicted and homeless. I just keep chugging along, trying to be kind to myself and others, sometimes in severe psychological pain. I work with a therapist. I take my meds. But I hide my diagnosis, because I feel stigmatized by my family. I am proud I’m still here. I don’t know how long I can bear up under this pain.
Recently, a friend offered me a place to live at her home. Even though I struggle with my living situation, I didn’t accept that offer. Because, when I explained my illness to my friend, she said I couldn’t possibly have BPD because I was so nice.

How did you overcome this experience?

Since living with BPD is like driving down a bumpy road without power steering, I’m taking good care of myself. I use my medications as directed and practice my cognitive behavioral therapy skills. I’m keeping myself on the road. It’s a hard road, though.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Don’t buy into other people’s opinions of what your mental illness should look like. Just do your best for you! Never forget that’s your #1 job.
You don’t have to share your diagnosis if you don’t want to. But you don’t need to be ashamed of it!