Living with Borderline Personality Disorder | Claire Benedict | TEDxHopeCollege

[@DestinyLee-p7y]

“ I am borderline because I am extremes between borders that threshold” That is exquisitely beautiful.

[@thelucidexperience8247]

very 🥹

[@RossOrsucci]

I think the thing that sucks the most about living with this is the combination of stigma, lack of understanding, and the fact that many of us present as relatively normal and functional from the outside. People come into our lives with expectations for us to act and process things differently than we are able to do, and then, upon realizing that we are complex and extremely neurodivergent, push us away hard. I get this sense of disgust from people when they realize I have a personality disorder. Like they treat me as an equal only when judging or rejecting me, but treat me as less than them in other situations. I end up feeling utterly invalid as well as ashamed for who I am, with very little understanding or support from peers. This contrasts with things like autism spectrum disorder, which has gained a lot of mainstream coverage and acceptance. Autistic people can band together and find solidarity with others. People with borderline are taught to resent and distrust themselves and others like them. We are often misdiagnosed and mistreated. We are capable of such love and creativity and passion when given patience and a stable environment in which to thrive and build healthy, sustainable self-care habits, but when thrust into the cruel world of productivity over people, we will fail again and again and again, wondering what's wrong with us and why we are never enough. It is an extremely isolating and confusing disorder. It's almost like hope that I could be different is dangled in front of me by the expectations and misplaced belief of others that my issue is with willpower or perspective, not a neurological defect. And every time I prove through my failures that I am not different, that I'm just a person living with mental illness, it is world-shattering. I would trade everything that makes me "me" for boring, unremarkable normalcy in a heartbeat. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

[@taylarchanelle]

Took the words right out my brain fam. Blessings to you on your journey. You are loved and supported

[@Zeroratedecay86]

I don't think it will ever be said with more accuracy and more clarity than the way you just did and I am just recently learning about this from the perspective of being diagnosed with it and it's funny I was misdiagnosed with bipolar type 1 but I stumbled onto this and read all about it brought it up to my doctor and my therapist and after some discussion and some tests they ultimately determined and agreed I had been misdiagnosed I felt a immediate sense of relief but at the same time mostly I feel void it's funny how you can feel so much so deeply and yet when I try to tell someone in my immediate family or well let's face it I dont have any friends acquaintances mostly I am invalidated it's funny how everyone becomes expert's in anything even when they don't even know anything about mental health nor any of the cluster b types or even the dark triad personality types but they know everything I wish you all only the best I want everyone who has this or any other personality disorder to not only survive but to thrive there is a saying that gives me hope and the strength thru the darkest moments. God never asks anymore from us than what he knows we can handle. As I write this I am getting ready for work my anxiety is always really high and my fear of messing up or doing something wrong and being mocked or judged is gonna flair up soon but I'm gonna push thru it because I have to because my kids need me and because maybe if I keep doing it and one of you see's this if even helps one person get thru one tough moment or day then that is more than I could ever hope for to all of you just keep pushing and know that it is our imperfections that make us who we are have a blessed day.

[@tone3560]

What you explain encompasses the ignorance of dealing with anyone's authenticity of their individualism.

[@Almita-ql1gt]

@@Zeroratedecay86 can we talk ? maybe we need it ..

[@Missy-j4i]

I go to an online peer support group for people with OCPD. It's been an amazing experience. I hope you're able to connect with other people with BPD. There is power in numbers...especially when people are coping with a highly stigmatized disorder.

[@drabbit61]

Yes. At 62, after 50+ years of this. It's finally good to give it a name

[@Verbatimorgish]

fuuuuuuckin A'. cheers, and I love ya. I thought it was kinda silly at first but I've come to navigate this diagnosis well enough. it makes too much sense

[@jimmorgan6837]

I'm 47 now and same. Such an epiphany.

[@Samjanette80]

43 here and 2 years of therapy and this is me. I even talk in a childlike voice which I thought she was at first. I believe that's a big indicator as well. I'm so mind blown, like putting together my own self puzzle and it feels complete lol

[@Trader0598]

@@Samjanette80 can you define what you want to say. Plz

[@Almita-ql1gt]

@@Trader0598 tht she has finally understood what has made her be something she probably didnt want to be like.

[@ToiseToise]

Was diagnosed after an overdose at 18, 27 now, dependant on drugs, lost everyone and everything. Took all this for me to finally start learning about who I am.

[@emsskips8208]

You got this. But lowk same stuck in a rut - feel like I’ve ruined my life lmao but hopefully not

[@Dannydawson1984]

Awe that’s really sad to hear I hope you’re ok and find some comfort and peace ☮️

[@bleq6zzz586]

Better than late than never. I had the same deal. Got clean Jan 19 and haven’t looked back. It’s hard, but you’re worth the investment hope you are well today

[@LeoLover-l9e]

It will get better ❤

[@Cloud8max]

Wow..i was diagnosed about 3 months ago , but i knew something was different for years. The diagnosis was a relief but still handling the illness is tough. Thanks for explaining how we feel

[@thenerdywalker516]

I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you living with BPD but I truly admire that youve decided to speak out so that you may help others. I really liked the part where you said show kindness instead of anger. Wishing you all the best in your life journey!

[@bleq6zzz586]

I have to tell you I really hate living with the illness but everyday I survive and thrive in spite I gain respect for myself through this battle. Cling to anything worthy of you. You are worth the fight. I’m sorry we have to live through this ❤

[@PattyACano]

I can totally feel the pain in her voice, but she is as strong, brave woman to be there standing up in front of that crowd and telling her personal journey. I wish I have the courage to do that but it’s still difficult for me to accept this Borderline diagnosis.

[@Samjanette80]

Her ultimate fear was probably speaking in public. I know it's part of mine. In order to beat it, you gotta face all the fears, small ones first of course :) it's tough for sure!

[@lisalicious9156]

I am 24 - was diagnosed at 23 and live felt like a fever dream ever since. Sure, it was good to finally give it a name. But the journey of healing is hard.

[@chandra4816]

I’m 22 and got diagnosed this year and it’s so hard if you ever need a friend I’m here 🫶

[@lisalicious9156]

@@chandra4816 Thank you! I am also there for you!

[@doc-jim]

I am 23, I recently got diagnosed too. Healing is hard, but is people like you that open up about it along with doctors and researchers give me hope. Hope that all of us will find balance and finally feel happiness and most importantly feel sadness and anger, but not experience this torture.

[@JonPearson-mm1cd]

Claire, I admire you. I'm trying to persuade my undiagnosed partner to get help. You give me hope that a diagnosis and DBT helps. I wish you all the best in life.

[@HartyBiker]

My girlfriend has been diagnosed with BPD. We've been dating almost 6 months and the first roughly 2-3 months were just pure bliss. In the last few months, we have been dealing with quite a few issues. I'm sure it's pretty normal to start seeing issues, but her BPD makes it much harder to love her since she pushes me away whenever her mood is down. I just want to love her, but whenever she most needs tender love, I can't give it to her. Can anyone help?

[@funeralrat]

Hi I have bpd and am also in a relationship of 6 months. Bpd can be very different for everyone, it’s like a spectrum, so I can’t 100% say for certain what may help her. But at least in my case a bit of verbal reassurance can completely change my mood for the better. Likely she’s triggered by some belief of abandonment, try asking her what she may be fearing, what you can do to help and prevent her from feeling that. Most of the time I know whatever’s driving my mood down is completely irrational but it’s hard to shut off the voice. A bit of reassurance goes a long way. Though this does require a bit of effort on her part too. I always try to communicate to my boyfriend openly for reassurance I need, I’ll have a desire to bottle it up because I fear being invalidated or like I am just being insufferable but I know that only makes things worse. Open communication between you both, understanding her fears and triggers as well as therapy for her is best you can do, if you want to be with each other.

[@JonahJayTaylor]

Basically, what the other comment said. She is scared to love. People will BPD experience emotions more strongly compared to the average person because the amygdala is smaller which causes this emotional dysregulation. Think of how you feel and multiple that by 10 and this is the everyday experience of someone with BPD. Now think if somehow that feeling is taken away. Her brain is only trying to protect herself which leads to irrational thoughts and why she is pushing you away. As the other comment suggested provided reassurance and understanding but also let her have space to think if needed. BPD is the only current personality disorder that can go into remission and the data suggest majority of people by the time they are in their 30s are able to resolve their issues. I would also suggest ALWAYS try to remain positive and happy around her. The reason for this is because her brain is actually able to detect the change in your emotions. Studies have been done on this. If you show a person with BPD a picture of someone smiling whiling turning into a frown their brain is able to process that change much more quickly than the average person. She is actually able to sense when you are getting upset before you even realize you are even upset. Other studies seem to verify this is in a different aspect in terms of energy waves hence why people get feeling that someone is watching them, and they turn around and someone is starring at them. How did that person brain know? Maybe our brain or thoughts produce energy that we have yet to be able to detect but that is my personal opinion.

[@aliciahernandez6203]

tell her you love her and want her to feel happy with you. look at her with tenderness and ask her how you can comfort her pain. reassurance is very comforting. be delicate with words you use as they can be triggering.

[@rixward5475]

@harrybiker , I'm bpd . ...borderlines have different overlaps with other disorders, I'd say don't ever pressure, judge or stereotype her, her moods will constantly fluctuate & change without you knowing, it all comes from childhood trauma & memory of this . Id say be her best friend without expectations & accept she will push you back at times to be by herself & other times want the opposite , accept it the way it is .

[@eatanotherzio6811]

You can help her by leaving Forcing herself to face herself will give her the wake up call she needs

[@Kristen10-22]

It’s exhausting literally exhausting

[@mp37390]

omg yes, *so* exhausting the energy spent trying to manage and to hide symptoms it feels like my brain needs an extra 4-8 hours per day just to do emotional regulation

[@Kristen10-22]

@@mp37390 girl you are not alone… It’s this dictator in my head constantly berating me, trying to regulate emotions, always asking if I over reacted to a situation… you aren’t alone. Thank you for replying. Makes me feel I’m not alone. My brain forgets to “b mindful” too. After 51yrs it’s a reflex at this point. Sending huge hugs

[@louisea6109]

Thank u, Claire. U are so beautiful. Listening to ure TEDtalk makes the world a better place💚

[@----79821]

BPD ruined my life, as a man it takes on a whole new meaning, BPD for me means confusion about everyone and everything including myself which is expressed as sadness and anger, i won't be around much longer, hope the next life is better than this

[@billyo3001]

I have NPD and I feel a similar way. The constant internal confusion about my relationships with everyone and my lack of self. It's really hard to get my head around it. But don't give up man your not alone. You have worth, and bit by bit you can steer yourself in a better direction. Keep going.

[@snafu374]

Maybe u need a change of scenery

[@marriscado5095]

Its hard, but you may find a way to keep going with it. Life changes, thats the good news. Dont give up!

[@justinmorales1620]

@@marriscado5095life changes but the illness will always be there

[@crystalriddick1968]

You have a purpose. Become a Bpd advocate and help others like yourself. We all need each other. Don’t give up or give in. God loves you and you will get through this.

[@maryamfatimafarooqui9915]

Idk...but this is something like i've currently experience ...rush of emotions that i'm not able to handle anymore...

[@brexpeep07]

talk to your primary care doctor about possibly getting a psychiatrist if you don’t have one already and talk to that psychiatrist about a possible diagnosis. i am currently 16 and they wanted to get me tested when i was 14, but couldn’t because you have to be 16 and up. i can talk to you more about my experiences if you would like to help you and see if you relate to get you closer to a diagnosis? borderline personality stems from a few different things, the mains being genetics and abandonment. you could also have bipolar disorder

[@brexpeep07]

@@maryamfatimafarooqui9915 yeah! for sure, do you have any social medias?

[@RosarioMarieSalvador]

​@@maryamfatimafarooqui9915speaking to a minor is very inappropriate... 😬🤨😕

[@beyondtheillusion333]

​@@RosarioMarieSalvadorwhat?? I had many mentors in my childhood... some I met in public. It's a dangerous world but to say you can't speak to a child on any terms just because they're minor is ridiculous lmao

[@RosarioMarieSalvador]

@@beyondtheillusion333 laughing about child trafficking? Are YOU serious?!?!

[@CarlosMotiv8s]

Awesome Speech Claire. Beautifully and Perfectly explained. Your intro did its job. CATCH MY ATTENTION. I recently joined ToastMasters and I'm about to write my 4th speech and I chose to speak about My struggles with BPD, then I came across your video. Bless You Claire for sharing the truth and being vulnerable. Well done! You are a Hero for standing up on that stage and sharing. 💙💯🙌

[@loveislove4879]

Man the opposite action skill must be exhausting. Everytime you are about to react you have to stop and do the opposite. I think I will give it a try.

[@joannasmith3762]

Not even 100k views yet. When will people start taking it more seriously? I was diagnosed two years ago and I've been rejected by two providers. Thank you for this. ❤

[@theredwhirlwin]

You are a brave, powerful person.

[@jillg6536]

You are an inspiration - you are so brave and I thank you for being you 🫶🏽

[@caroleturcotte1297]

Too bad there isn't french subtitles. Understanding every word is important to learn from this video.

[@Cassper11]

Thanks Claire! I am borderline too ❤

[@jaanuvaridhi5582]

Count me in girl

[@آفریدی-د7و]

I am diagnosed with BPD! I am 22 years old, all I feel right now is exhausted,hurt and suicidal!!it's getting so hard for me to handle it.

[@kismouserr]

don't give up. you can do this!!

[@آفریدی-د7و]

@@kismouserr thankyou I appreciate it

[@nicolebyrd6909]

Dbt is helping! Theres a workbook you can get if therapy and group therapy are not readily available. You are worth it, you are loved. Applying the tools shows the love you have for yourself. Jesus died for you. That’s how much you matter. Overcome and be the guiding light for others!❤️🙏💪🫂lift weights, get positive dopamine

[@EVZimora]

Written like a poet.

[@breeannatemple3641]

Thank you for sharing your story..

[@CelesteIsBeste]

It could be that our lived experience with emotional extremes moulds our brains to have an outsized influence on others' emotions. Our next words often carry energy in others because they were seared first into our own brains in our frequent stormy weather. No doubt there are those who are manipulative on purpose to fill the hole in our hearts, but oftentimes the most deeply trodden path is the one that escapes our lips. We have been made this way by existing at all. It doesn't surprise me we kill ourselves so often. It is that experience of manipulation that we ourselves cannot escape.

[@toloproduct]

Anyone struggling with mental illness can find Hope and Faith though Christ. Please Trust in Jesus and avoid all 7 cardinal sins -- this is the Ultimate way to spiritual healing through God.

[@Poodlekisses007]

Very good Ted Talk

[@MuksetatunNova]

Youre my only friend

[@Kristen10-22]

Too bad insurance hardly covers DBT outpatient therapy

[@patrickkozak9490]

The descriptions and diagnoses are as varied and unique as that of synthesesia , She basically said nothing

[@thomaslevy2333]

Why are some Ted Talks full of noise. So sad 😥

[@NirupamaOinam-q4h]

But I am somehow heal 😊

[@calistavelarde4572]

Ive just been diagnosed with BPD 😢

[@briancooney4144]

It's wild hearing people with BPD minimizing how destructive they are to people im their lives. I get it... you're sensitive... but so sensitive that you will burn peoples' lives to the ground.

[@baristaz8834]

They are just as destructive to others as anyone else is, in psychology it is recognized that bad is far more detrimental to the person with the condition than those around them. Stigma and false conceptions like yours is why people struggle more

[@ana8182]

@@baristaz8834 Definitely, not only people with bpd but people with other mental struggles tend to self isolate in order to not "drag" others into their own issues because of the stigma. Making it harder for them to reach out for help and sadly leading to the increase of suicides and self harm.

[@ZFern9390]

They will eat their own children alive and everything around them! I say this with a heavy heart not a mean spirited heart 😢

[@ZFern9390]

​@@baristaz8834😂 obviously you don't have a BPD in your life

[@wassclewabbit]

❤

[@shameelsha]

i hope everyone is sleeping

[@GWaite82]

Dated one. Several times. It was… impossible.

[@TempestTempos]

One. Just one. That doesn't mean all of us, the millions of us, are.

[@deathandrebirth-y8x]

@@TempestTempos and yet a bunch of people have the same experience. wait for the split.

[@deanaburnham9571]

❤Some people are afraid of borderline personalities bc of the psychopathy some display. However, if that is the case, I'd say they're not borderline. They're psychopathic w borderline traits. If this distinction is made then we might stop the discrimination. Borderline perhaps should not be classified as a cluster B at all. Just wondering about that. Thank you for your fine presentation!

[@paulcampbell114]

Secondary psychopathy is what borderlines have

[@ZFern9390]

Afraid of them because these people will turn everything to ruins around them. 😢

[@ptiaptia7347]

Can't hear anything. Sick of it!! So frustrated!!!

[@GregoryBoyd-s1n]

Brown Lisa Hall Jennifer Wilson Edward

[@Progenitor1979]

Inveterate manipulators insensitive to the pain they cause in others...its not a diagonosis it's a manipulative pattern of behavior.

[@amyleigh8394]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@lisalicious9156]

No that’s wrong. I am borderliner and i am highly empathetic

[@TempestTempos]

That's not what borderline personality disorder is. It's what people think it is, yes, but too many people see a "difficult" person and label them "BPD." People with BPD have been proven to have HEIGHTENED empathy, guilt, shame, and sensitivity.

[@margaretthomson395]

Sorry you seem to have had a poor relationship. Or perhaps you watched some bad movies with bad writing. Maybe you actually mean narcissist PD. BpD is quite varied in representation.

[@j01237]

Run, they are predators, usually BPD/NPD...just run away

[@aliciahernandez6203]

Tender love is so healing for emotional dysregulation. Love should be tender anyway.

[@Crandemon]

Wow. This is so inappropriate of you to post here, j.

[@Frankie-z6u]

Your a predator for making such statement. Do you research before you make judgements. There are 142 ways a person qualify for a diagnosis of NPD and BPD, they need to meet 5 out of 9 of the criteria. Some are abusive but to say everyone who has the disorder who are predators is uneducated. The research on narcissist are they are takers. People with BPD may seem to react in a extreme way because they are scared of abandonment because they want to be loved.

[@CarlosMotiv8s]

Good Job for writing this comment. This comment basically officially shows your worse than any person diagnosed with ANY kind of Mental Issue. But Its ok. These type of comments makes Us Stronger. I'm actually gr8ful for ppl like you. We use it to strengthen us. I forgive you! 🙏🏻

[@lisalicious9156]

Not true

[@HomeSweetSamantha]

I’m glad there’s help for borderlines. However, they should never be in relationships. They are extremely dangerous people

[@kismouserr]

depends. some people don't have bpd but they're actual psychos, but if we talk about bpd, the relationship is all about understanding and communicating and if both sides are capable of doing so, then the relationship will work quite well. also we should stop making this stigma of people with bpd being dangerous or crazy, they are just people and they need love as much as everyone does and we should remember that people with bpd are trying to "fit in" so much because of how strong they can love others and they try to hide their actual selves so much. we should learn how to accept and love.

[@YoginiMami]

Extremely insensitive comment based off your own situation, not everyone with bpd will do onto others what was done onto you; the person above me explained it beautifully & with a level of compassion you seem to lack, which can be...dangerous.

[@deathandrebirth-y8x]

listen to op they are dangerous. if you get burned at least you can say you were warned.

[@Kindlycallmecarebear]

I don’t know where you get your information from but not every BPD patient is the same and not all are dangerous.

[@MPR2007]

Try to get a sympathy while destroying your loved ones? Interesting ! 👹👺

[@doc-jim]

Trying to gather understanding for people to know that it is a disorder that can be treated and that the patient can recover.