Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[BPDSurvivor]

@Nells , this is a gentle reminder for you:

Youre doing an amazing job!

[Nells]

Ty @BPDSurvivor .. we have now had 2 hospitalisations in 1 week.. the longer she is in the worse she seems to get behaviour wise.. have you got any tips on what helps to break the ‘train of thought’ when she is in crisis? I’ve reach out to 3 psychologists who specialise in BPD.. just waiting to hear back for appointment.. How are you enjoying your freedom? Have you been able to visit with people? Xx

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @Nells ,

It is known that hospitalisation is not ideal for pwBPD. I remember whenever I was admitted, it was just like what you said - the longer the stay, the worse the behaviour. Hospitals would be for immediate crises, perhaps in ED. But longer stays may not be wise - if anything, perhaps detrimental. The rigidity will cause her to kick the other way. Once again, it is because hospitals take all control. PwBPD already feel out of control so to have control taken away will be worse.

I'm not sure where you are located, but prevention and recovery centres PARCs are what made the most difference for me. They are voluntary residential facilities to support recovery and clients can stay for a maximum of 4 weeks. It is completely recovery-focused. And they don't take 'crap'. The moment you muck up, you get discharged. This meant I was in control. They hold mental health education support groups, meetings, outings etc. and help people with transiting back to the community whether to other support groups, work or education. 

I've had numerous admissions into PARCs and that's because I ask for it so as to prevent a hospita admission.

As for doing anything about changing someone's mindset during crisis.... forget it. You may as wel talk to a wall. BPD support is about striking when the iron's cold, not hot.

Please let us know how you go.

BPDSurvivor

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @Nells !

I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you travelling? I'm just checking in to see how you are.

BPDSurvivor

[Nells]

Hello @BPDSurvivor, thank you for thinking of me.. Things are up and down with an ED admission tonight.. Mental Health team called to say Miss BPD isn't 'sick' enough to need a case manager. So tired of them pushing BPD as not being sick enough.....

I seem to recall you saying there was a community place you go for group and individual support and activities.. what was it called? I'm desperate to find the equivalent in QLD but there appears to be nothing...

How have you been? Did you get through lockdown ok?

Nells xx

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @Nells ,

Its heart breaking to hear that your daughter isn't 'sick enough' to get help...

From what I know, public clinics usually serve those who need long term treatment because they are a danger to society; or otherwise, case management is only for a maximum of 6 weeks as part of episodic care. I've also clearly been told that they don't often take on people diagnosed with BPD. How I see it is that it is probably a bang for buck thing. Given a 6-wk time frame, they can probably see a lot more change in people without BPD, hence, they take that option because they can help more people that way. It's all about resourcing. BPD is such a slow moving illness that therapists and doctors don't want to take them on. For example, at Spectrum (personality disorder specialist clinic), it takes 18 months for ONE person to complete a program. When I was there, this meant every 18 months, a maximum of 8 people successfully completed the program. That's why it is so popular, but hardly anyone gets in.

As for PARCs (prevention and recovery centres), it was an absolutely amazing experience. So that's 4 weeks of 24 hour access to support while in a residential facility. Each person is assigned a key clinician to work towards clearly set out goals. These centres are publically funded. They did a world of good for me. I got so much out of them. I think I've had 4 to 5 admissions in total. I don't see I need to go back anymore, because I'm well on the way through recovery. I don't know much about QLD, but I suggest you ask around to see if there are any such like facilities. Hospitals were a big NO NO for me - I ended up much worse in hospitals.

Hugs, and all the best,

BPDSurvivor