Strengths and qualities of BPD
Personality disorders is considered an impairment of the way one thinks. People with BPD face the struggles of the condition on a daily basis, and on top of that often experience stigma, discrimination, isolation and insults. Most of what’s written about BPD doesn’t sound overly positive with many being portrayed as manipulative, hopeless and dangerous. In fact, individuals presenting with BPD experience an extraordinarily rich and intense life of both highs and lows – higher than the highest of highs and lowered than the lowest of lows for most people all year. Here is a list on the upsides of BPD.
- Resilience – Many people with BPD have battled struggles with drug and alcohol addictions, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, and eating disorders. Many are survivors of trauma and therefore the ability to manage the emotional dysregulations on a daily basis is nothing short of being warriors.
- Empathy and compassion – People with BPD experience greater internal and external turmoil. However, this in turn allows for the ability to recognise and have greater insight for others in similar situations. Sharing stories of lived experience about emotional pain encourages others to open up and gives a sense of belonging and freedom from stigma. For instance, a study has shown that people with BPD are able to read facial expressions and emotions better than those without BPD.
- Curiosity – Being extra sensitive and connection emotions, senses and surroundings allows for greater curiosity in the minds of those with BPD.
- Bold – Impulsivity is a BPD trait that can be positively linked to being bold, courageous and having the ability to speak one’s mind.
- Creative – The high intensity of emotions can be released into creative endeavours. Many people with BPD put their entire emotional expression into music, art, performance and writing.
- Intuition – High sensitivity to surroundings learned from childhood means people with BPD are more aware of other people’s emotional states. Sometimes the intuition may be overwhelming but when managed, people with BPD can help others in distress rather than exacerbate the pain.
- Passionate and emotional – When a person with BPD loves, the love is deep, highly committed and loyal to the relationship. Even though there may be struggles with attachment and fears of abandonment, these are ultimately manifestations of love. When the emotions are managed, liveliness and wittiness become the dominant qualities.
- Protective – The care and intensity a person with BPD feels towards another person or situation may be translated into high aggression as a method of protecting others and the self.
- Hope – The negative symptoms of BPD are indeed manageable with a combination of psychotherapy, a support network and long-term commitment. This is worth fighting for each day!
The intensity and irrationality from BPD symptoms is equally matched by happiness, creativity and empathy for others. People with BPD are healers, lovers and most of all are fighters of their internal pain. No individual with BPD is the same and it is time to see more than just the diagnosis.
Articles to read
Healthy Place – Embrace the benefits of Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD Connects – The advantages of having BPD
The Mighty – The best parts of Borderline Personality Disorder
