I was planning tonight to write about my day and my therapy appointment. But as I've been looking into more and more information my disorder, the more I felt compelled to post about some of the facts I've come across. What I've learned about mental illness and the statistics are pretty interesting, as well as, unbelievable .
I have found that it is widely believed amongst the mental health professionals that 2% of the population is Borderline. Also, BPD accounts for roughly 20% of all mental health hospital stays and account for 10% of all out patient treatment.
I've also learned that about 1 in 5 persons are diagnosed with a mental illness. (roughly 22.5 percent)That would mean if 2% are Borderline then (ok I really don't have a math brain) 1 in 11 mentally ill people are Borderline.
The more I let those statistics sink in, the more I am completely dumbfounded! Reason being, I have yet to come across a non-mental health professional person who knows what Borderline is. Some have heard the term before, but I haven't come across anyone who I've shared my BPD with that knew what it meant. I've come across many who are very aware of Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, OCD etc..but not BPD.
Why with so many diagnosed BPD's, I'm curious as to why there doesn't seem to be very much awareness about it. Is this a coincidence that is just unique to my experience or is this something that other Borderlines are finding too?
Kelly
6 comments:
I think the media and Hollywood have much to do with the general public's knowledge of certain illnesses, both mental and physical. When there's a big news story or a movie made where the character has something it's in people's minds, then they want to know more. Perhaps we should write a movie... LOL
Yea, I think we should. But I want Angelina Jolie to play me...lol
I haven't met another borderline before, but my current counselor is familiar with BPD. He says he has counseled someone who is doing really well now. That gives me hope. I was diagnosed at age 18, but have been too self-destructive to do anything about it. It wasn't until I married a wonderful, caring, supportive and HEALTHY! man that I was able to enter counseling and really try to make it work. The few other times I went into counseling I quit when it got too hard. Todd wants to do anything and everything to make me well. I appreciate that after all the other men who have treated me so badly. It is only with his continued grace and unconditional love that I can go on and see this to the end. Sorry for the diatribe. I probably didn't even answer your question. I just see so much of myself in you and I finally feel like there is someone who can TRULY understand what we go through on a daily basis. Thank you so much for sharing and caring =) I care too~
Kate
Ooo... Angelina Jolie is yucky! We could find someone MUCH better!
Kate- It's so helpful for me to know that someone else with my diagnosis can read what I am explaining about the mess in my head and it makes sense to them. It is great that you are working with a counsler who is familiar with Borderline. I also began working with a therapist who had previously worked with BPD's he really helped me get through the quite a bit. I worked with him for two years and then found myself ready for DBT. I am hoping that the DBT will help with some of the symptoms that I was unable to change with him. I guess that's a big reason of why I want to chronicle my progress through these next fourteen months of therapy. I want to show others, like you as well as my son that therapy can help us to improve. I know I keep saying it, but I'm going to say it again;) Thank you for the encouragement and for your kind and thoughtful comments. My thoughts will be with you as we walk through of paths of therapy and healing together.
Kelly
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