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BiPoPastor
Saturday, October 18, 2008 BiPoPastor asks

Q: Duel Diagnosis???

Hey fellow BiPo's, I have a question. I just left the annual meeting of the Indiana NAMI meeting, and it was brought up that when people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) see faces, they can only comprehend the expressions as positive or negative. Whrn they see a natural, expressionless face, they register it as negative. And here is my question:       

 

   Do some of the people with this BPD diagnosis make it a practice to do whatever is necessary to bring a smile to those around them?

 

or

 

   Do these people behave in a way to make the "normal" expression disappear?

 

I was diagnosed 3 years ago as having BPD, and that is exactly what I do. I never hesitate to act the fool, doing practically anything for a laugh. Now I know why.

 

So, what's your take on this?

 

Thanks, and blessings!

 

Winston

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Answers (3)
John McManamy
John McManamy
10/20/08 3:11pm

Hi, Winston. I don't have borderline, but there have been many in my life. Many people with borderline, I'm convinced, have been misdiagnosed with bipolar. The DSM notes that people with borderline tend to either idealize individuals or demonize them. In other words, there is little or no in-between. It's all black and white.  And they can turn on a dime from thinking you're wonderful to thinking you're Satan - which can be mistaken for a mood swing. This failure to see a middle ground probably explains why they cannot correctly interpret a neutral image of a face as neutral.

 

People with borderline experience extreme difficulties staying in personal relationships, which sets them up for a lot of loneliness in their lives.

 

Fortunately, the experts regard borderline as "the good prognosis diagnosis." There is no quick fix, but therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy over time can work wonders.

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katy
katy
10/18/08 5:49pm

I too have been diagnosed with this.  I never really thought of it but I too love to bring a smile to others face, make them laugh. It gives me a sense of pleasure and makes me feel I've done a good thing for others.

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Charmaine
Charmaine
10/19/08 3:57pm

Hi Winston

I am glad I could have been of assistance and the medication you're on are are ok.  You know for the 18 years I have been diagnosed I've learnt that you can make people laugh and cry because your actions can sometimes hurt people.  I think only if you have a positive attitude it is possible.  It is really good to know that we still can make people laugh and not although not all of us are the same.  Good luck with your meds and God bless.

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