Having some issues with BPD (big shocker!)

They are challenging. Just be kind. It is a horrible condition to have.

I get it because I felt the same way as a new psych nurse. I remember being grateful that the senior nurses wanted to work with them. I think most of us felt that way and some of us still do. Over time I changed. Now I look forward to helping these folks figure out how to get better. I suspect you will change too.

All of the personality disorders can be tough to work with, but I agree BPD's are the hardest. I've learned to basically ignore all the drama and engage them in appropriate conversations. You also have to have a thick skin and not let them push your buttons - or at least not let them know they've pushed a button. I don't know that I've ever helped a borderline. I don't even know if some of them CAN be helped. But always remember that they're just as sick in their own way as your schizophrenic patients. You have to measure their progress using a different stick and it can be a thankless task. One piece of advice I will give you is when your BPD is having a "moment" remove any audience from the scene. Family especially can be a huge trigger and if they're asked to leave the room sometimes you'll be surprised to see the difference in the behavior.

BPD is challenging to deal with. I think most of us, if not all, who've worked with them can agree on this.

As for me, personally: even though I tried to tell myself a certain client with this dx didn't get to me; I found myself getting stomach and neck pains when I worked with her.

It took awhile for me to realize her bx triggered my pain.

Thankfully, she was discharged soon.

Other co workers later shared with me that they got eye twitches, etc when working with this client.

So, yeah, BPD is challenging! For us and for the person afflicted with this.

They are challenging. Just be kind. It is a horrible condition to have.

I AM pleasant and polite. I'm also to the point though.

I understand living with it must be horrible. I just don't think that means that I can't have some frustration towards this population. I WANT to slam the office door in their faces. I never, ever do...never even close. That's why I came here...to ensure that I wasn't a horrid person for having these feelings, and for revealing my feelings in a safe place vs. to the person's face.

The particular individual who was the "last straw" so to speak to have me write this...well we think she has a bit of Munchaesen's as well. Fun for all.

Be kind like I said, but also have strong boundaries and set limits.

I find the personality disorders very interesting. I've worked with a few over the years and enjoyed it very much. I never worked with a patient diagnosed with munchausen, but I would like to. I'm not discounting your feelings, I understand that you are struggling, but I just want you to know there's more than one way to experience this work.

I never worked with a patient diagnosed with munchausen, but I would like to,

She isn't diagnosed with it officially - but we're very suspicious. It's morbidly fascinating what she has put herself through...I can't be very specific but it's worthy of a case study!

I've worked with two or three Munchausen patients and they weren't too interesting actually. Then again, I worked with them on the medical side so we were dealing with the sequalae of their actions vs. treating their m.o., if you will.

I also knew a nurse who had Munchausen by proxy. Now THAT was an interesting case. She is no longer licensed, for obvious reasons I think. Her victim was her toddler. He is fine now.

I understand that you are struggling

Perhaps I have not really explained myself well. I'm not quite *struggling* per se. I'm frustrated more than anything, and Friday I had just HAD IT.

Thank you.

I, too, do not like working with BPD's...so don't feel bad, you aren't alone. I was fortunate to work with other nurses who didn't mind them, so I could bypass their hysterics. Unfortunately, you don't have that luxury.

Dealing with BPD with acquaintances is another story...gotta just say ***.

When dealing with them, follow some of the good suggestions listed above, and be glad when the shift has ended.

Some people on this forum actually have BPD and are well-aware of what people think of them. It's extremely difficult to get effective treatment and even harder to find compassionate people to provide it. Hence, many people with BPD do not even bother seeking treatment and never get better. Which is sad since there ARE effective treatments available.

They are not behaving this way to annoy you. Their pain and anxiety is so bad they would rather be dead and have NO way to cope with what is going on inside of them. It's like walking around with no skin. Many have endured horrific events in their lives & have serious comorbidities (like complex ptsd). They are coming to you for help, they NEED you. Let them trust you because right now they don't and honestly, I don't blame them.