(18/05/19) - MHAW Quotes for today...

"Before you pass judgement on someone who is self-destructing, it's important to remember they usually aren't trying to destroy themselves. They're trying to destroy something inside that doesn't belong."

I feel judged all the time and that is another of the many BPD challenges I face. It is such a complicated illness and there is very little understanding of it. I think it is great that mental health is being talked about so much more in the media lately but there are still issues within mental health that carry a stigma and that simply aren't talked about. I genuinely do not know why BPD isn't being discussed. In a 2006 study it was found that around 7 in every 1000 people in the UK have it. Awareness of anxiety and depression has much improved but when you say 'Personality Disorder' nobody seems to have a clue. I really hope that changes. It matters to me that people like myself are understood and not judged. We should be able to talk about our illness without that fear.

"You are not your illness."

It is important for people living with a mental health disorder to remember this!

"My personality disorder doesn't define who I am, it explains it."

It would be fantastic if the friends and loved ones of people living with MH conditions such as BPD could understand this point and remind their loved ones of it from time to time, as well as help to educate other people who may lack knowledge or understanding of the illness.