If you have a close relative or loved one who has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), there is no doubt that your life has been affected profoundly by the disorder. While it is sometimes impossible to understand the motivations and behaviors of a person with BPD, educating yourself about the BPD experience will be an illuminating journey that ultimately will help both you and your loved one with BPD to develop a greater capacity for compassion and communication.
If you are just beginning to learn about Borderline Personality Disorder, you may find relief in knowing that the chaos and stress you’ve been living with are common, that you’re not alone, and that there are methods for improving the quality of your life and relationships.
BPD Books
There are many ways to begin to increase your understanding of BPD and Borderline Personality Disorder treatment. Many people who are endeavoring to learn about BPD in an effort to cope with the difficulties of living with someone who has it start their education with what is considered to be the go-to beginner’s guide to living with someone who has BPD: “Stop Walking on Eggshells,” by Paul T. Mason and Randi Kreger. This book is an excellent educational foundation on which to build from, as it covers the primary symptoms, causes, and common problems associated with BPD. It also offers coping and communication skills for family members and loved ones of people suffering with BPD.
Online BPD Resources
In addition to the numerous books about Borderline Personality Disorder, the online BPD community also offers a bounty of resources for families seeking therapy, support, and information about BPD and Borderline Personality Disorder treatment. Online are blogs, articles, and forums that can give you empowerment and relief in finding that there are many people out there who understand the BPD experience and have successfully navigated the ups and downs of living in the orbit of someone who has BPD.
Simply reading or hearing the stories of others can be all the encouragement you need to buoy your spirits and motivate you to continue your efforts to improve your relationship with the person in your life who has Borderline Personality Disorder.
BPD Videos
BPD videos may also be a valuable resource to supplement family therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder. On bpdvideo.com, you will find access to a BPD video series that takes you through various aspects of BPD, including first-hand descriptions of what it’s like to live with BPD yourself and what it’s like to live with someone who has BPD.
These BPD videos cover such topics as: understanding Borderline Personality Disorder, causes of Borderline Personality Disorder, diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder, treating Borderline Personality Disorder, and coping with Borderline Personality Disorder. These BPD videos provide a comprehensive guide to Borderline Personality Disorder and an excellent resource for everyone who is attempting to better their understanding of BPD and BPD treatment.
Importance of Family Therapy for BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder behaviors and related crises can have a snowball effect and cause families to descend into a pattern of dysfunction and ineffective communication. It is not uncommon for loved ones to develop their own psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety, as a result of the stress caused by struggling through unrelenting crises.
Seeking education about Borderline Personality Disorder, becoming active in the BPD community, and even seeking your own therapy (whether as part of family therapy for BPD or individual therapy) can help alleviate some of the worst stressors and give you the ability to develop better coping skills. Support groups such as the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder Family Connections groups can also provide you an invaluable way to get more education and needed support.
Remember, you’re not alone, and neither is your loved one with BPD. Find the resources and Borderline Personality Disorder treatment that you need and be proactive in the recovery process, of yourself and your loved one.