BPD IS TREATABLE

Borderline personality disorder is treatable and recovery is possible. Though mental health specialists rarely use the word “cured,” many people recover or at least have the symptoms of their disorder controlled so that they can live a fulfilling life.

One very common myth is that borderline personality disorder can’t be treated. Fortunately, this myth just isn’t true. In the past, experts did believe that BPD did not respond to treatment. However, in the last few decades, a number of new treatments for BPD have been developed.

 

DBT

The most successful and effective psychotherapeutic approach to date has been Marsha Linehan’s dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Research conducted on this treatment have shown it to be more effective than most other psychotherapeutic and medical approaches to helping a person to better cope with this disorder.

DBT focuses on helping the client build skills in acceptance and tolerance of intense negative emotions as a means to take better control of their lives, their emotions, and themselves. Therapy modules include exercises for improving self-knowledge, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and cognitive restructuring.

Evidence shows that many people who are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder can lose the diagnosis within a few years because they no longer meet the criteria. This sometimes happens even without treatment. Misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder appears to be very common.

 

FAITH

I believe God can do much to help us recover (though not necessarily cure) from mental health problems, including BPD. Staying close to God can help us cope with our day-to-day lives. Time spent with him, in prayer and in reading his Word, will help fortify us and give us the strength we need to stay well. It’s amazing how big a role our faith can play in keeping us well.

The church family and the support of godly people form an important part of the wellness plan for people living with mental health struggles.

God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”  (Ephesians 3:20)

 

This has been Part 10 of the series BPD for Churches. Read Part 11 Boundaries