Worth repeating while we're on the subject..

[Guest guest]

I wrote this a while back and it seemed that many people on this list

that responded felt that bpd is a mental disorder and that they can't

really help it. Even a post from Randi at BPD central included a line

that said something to the effect of: and bpd's can't even help it!

Since this subject is coming up again, I would like to re-post.

I guess I should have phrased the question: do you think bpd

> is a brain disorder or a mind disorder. I don't believe that bp's

are

> unaware of their behavior and that denial is part of

this " illness " ,

> I think they are unwilling to admit their abuse, but deep down they

> know just like the rest of us do, when we are being abusive.

> Otherwise, they are sociopaths and without conscience and I don't

> believe that. I think they know right from wrong and are aware of

the

> pain they inflict, they just can't face themselves and maybe they

> can't " acknowledge " their abuse but that is different from

> being " aware " of it. Maybe I just don't want to believe that an

> illness exists that victimizes the person with the disorder AND

their

> family AND part of the disease is that they are unaware of their

> behavior. I don't buy it. I think they have an arressted

development

> and are stuck but could learn to treat themselves and others better

> IF they put their ego and fear aside and reached out. I don't

believe

> this about people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They

> almost always need medication to get better becuase they have a

> disorder in the brain. I don't feel that is the case with bp's. I

> think it is a disorder of the mind and soul, perhaps, but not a

> chemical brain disorder. I guess ultimately it doesn't change

> anything to know what it really is, but I feel there is more hope

for

> all of us if it isn't something that is inflicted upon them and so

> severly limits them. Maybe I just can't see my mother as a victim

> right now because I am so angry at the damage she inflicted

> (seemingly of her own will) on so many and the damn shame of it

all.

> I know there is no right or wrong answer here, maybe I just don't

> want to let her off the hook so easily. Forgive me if I have

offended

> anyone, I'm not trying to be " right " I'm just not able to buy into

> the victim label. -