Living With a Personality Disorder
People with a personality disorder, just like anyone who has mental health difficulties, can be stigmatised because of their diagnosis. They can attract fear, anger and disapproval rather than compassion, support and understanding. This is both unfair and unhelpful. Personality disorder is a real problem that demands real help. We can all help by extending our friendship, support and understanding, rather than our judgement and discrimination, to people with a personality disorder.
Self-help
* Try to unwind when stressed - have a hot bath or go for a walk. You may find yoga, massage or aromatherapy useful.
* Make sure you get a good night’s sleep - but don’t get too upset if you can’t sleep.
* Look after your physical health and what you eat. You'll feel better on a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and
vegetables.
* Avoid drinking too much alcohol or using street drugs.
* Take some regular exercise. This doesn’t have to be extreme. Even getting off the bus one stop early, and walking the
rest of the way can make a difference.
* Give yourself a treat (although not drugs or alcohol!) when things are difficult or you have coped at a stressful time.
* Take up an interest or hobby. This is a good way to meet others and take your mind off the day to day stresses that we
all face.
* Talk to someone about how you are feeling. This could be a friend or relative or, if preferred, a therapist or counsellor.
If you don’t have access to a counsellor or therapist, then try your general practitioner (GP).
* Looking for information on the internet is a good resource (see further information).
* If things get really tough, try phoning the Samaritans (see further information).
Living with someone who has a personality disorder
You may worry about the effects the personality disorder is having on them, and maybe on your life too. How would they react if you talked to them about it?
If they take your worries seriously, find out some more information, perhaps from the sources at the end of this leaflet. Even if they don’t see a problem at the present time, they may do in the future.
Day to day living with someone who has a personality disorder can be difficult - but it isn’t always difficult. Giving people their own space, listening to and acknowledging their concerns, and involving others (friends, relatives and, at times, mental health professionals – nurses, therapists or doctors) can all be useful. It is also important to look after your own physical and mental health.
People with a personality disorder, just like anyone who has mental health difficulties, can be stigmatised because of their diagnosis. They can attract fear, anger and disapproval rather than compassion, support and understanding. This is both unfair and unhelpful. Personality disorder is a real problem that demands real help. We can all help by extending our friendship, support and understanding, rather than our judgement and discrimination, to people with a personality disorder.
Self-help
* Try to unwind when stressed - have a hot bath or go for a walk. You may find yoga, massage or aromatherapy useful.
* Make sure you get a good night’s sleep - but don’t get too upset if you can’t sleep.
* Look after your physical health and what you eat. You'll feel better on a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and
vegetables.
* Avoid drinking too much alcohol or using street drugs.
* Take some regular exercise. This doesn’t have to be extreme. Even getting off the bus one stop early, and walking the
rest of the way can make a difference.
* Give yourself a treat (although not drugs or alcohol!) when things are difficult or you have coped at a stressful time.
* Take up an interest or hobby. This is a good way to meet others and take your mind off the day to day stresses that we
all face.
* Talk to someone about how you are feeling. This could be a friend or relative or, if preferred, a therapist or counsellor.
If you don’t have access to a counsellor or therapist, then try your general practitioner (GP).
* Looking for information on the internet is a good resource (see further information).
* If things get really tough, try phoning the Samaritans (see further information).
Living with someone who has a personality disorder
You may worry about the effects the personality disorder is having on them, and maybe on your life too. How would they react if you talked to them about it?
If they take your worries seriously, find out some more information, perhaps from the sources at the end of this leaflet. Even if they don’t see a problem at the present time, they may do in the future.
Day to day living with someone who has a personality disorder can be difficult - but it isn’t always difficult. Giving people their own space, listening to and acknowledging their concerns, and involving others (friends, relatives and, at times, mental health professionals – nurses, therapists or doctors) can all be useful. It is also important to look after your own physical and mental health.
