Personality disorders are to a greater extent among us than you think. Thirty-one million Americans have a personality disorder. That’s nearly15% of the population. Studies indicate the chances increase if you are Native or African American and if you are a woman. (Jeanie Lerche Davis, August 2004)
Personality disorders are a family of disorders described by enduring maladaptive patterns of demeanor that drive impaired social and occupational execution. Once upset they have a difficult time calming down. They experience an unwary behavior. There are roughly ten personality disorders that are broken down into clusters. Cluster A (odd, bizarre), Cluster B (dramatic, erratic), and Cluster C (anxious, fearful). Cluster B was the most interesting. Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are familiar to me. Close to10 % of the United States population has BPD and NPD. (Neel Burton, MD, May 2012)
Borderline Personality Disorder is someone that lacks a sense of self and are emotionally unstable. They experience void and the fear of being abandoned. They tend to see the world in black and white. Mood swings, anger, and suicide are common. No single one knows what really causes the disorder, but genetic science and environmental factors such as child abuse or negligence may exist. Individuals with Borderline Personality disorder often struggle with intimate relationships, jobs, school activities, and self-image. Their erratic behavior oftentimes results in jail time, physical fighting, and sexual irresponsibility.
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Self-annihilation is attempted and or fatally done. Depression and isolation from family and friends are common. Angelina Jolie, Lindsey Lohan, Amy Winehouse, Brandon Marshall, and Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler are merely a few famous people who suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder. (Harry Croft, MD, July 2016) Amy Winehouse died from a drug overdose in 2011. Could this had been a consequence of her mental issue? Treatments that are recommended include psychotherapy medication, group and anger management therapy. Family reinforcements are crucial. Meditation techniques, talk therapy, and diary writing and being in positive surroundings help. Learning to deal with emotions and how to best understand the disorder are healthy tools also. Depending on the severity hospitalization may be required.
There are several foundations that work to great lengths to bring consciousness to Borderline Personality Disorder. Brandon Marshall, a former NFL player founded Project 375 to erase the stigma surrounding mental health. NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the largest mental health organization is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness. May is also Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. This next mental illness hits home. This person is unaware, nor do they want to admit that they have a mental issue. All signs and symptoms lead to Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This individual is my granddaughter’s father. He made my daughter’s life hell. On several occasions he contemplated suicide only to find out that it was a ploy to manipulate her to stay.
Even though my daughter is no longer with him, his behavior has led to domestic violence and controlling her to the point that she cannot begin a new relationship because of his low self-esteem and envy. Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder suffer an unnatural pattern that is long-term and is exaggerated by an ego that comes from a sense of entitlement. They also think they merit special treatment. They demand a lot of attention and admiration. They snub and disrespect the empathy of others. Behind this masquerade lies a broken self-esteem.
People with narcissistic personality behavior belittle and look down on people. They believe they are inferior and tend to take advantage of others to get what they want. They are arrogant and come across as being conceited and boastful. They believe that it is necessary to have the best of everything.
They cannot handle criticism well and tend to get angry and respond with fury. They have trouble keeping their emotions intact. When they fall short of perfection, they experience depression and changes in mood. In secret they feel insecure, ashamed, weak and humiliated.
No one knows what causes this mental illness. It may be the surroundings or family relationships where the parent either disapproves or express too much adoration. It may be genetic science or the connection between the brain and the way they think. Narcissistic Personality Behavior affects males and often begin in early childhood or early adulthood. As stated, earlier individuals with Narcissistic Personality Behavior do not believe anything is wrong, so they don’t seek treatment. They have difficulty keeping relationships and have suicidal thoughts or behavior.
According to (Chelsea Rivera, 2018), Donald Trump, Adolph Hitler, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West all suffer from Narcissistic Personality Behavior. As noted, Adolph Hitler suffered from two forms of personality disorder which could be why he was one of the most dangerous and cruel leaders of the 20th century. (Chelsea Rivera, 2018) His actions led to the death of millions of people and showed no empathy for the suffering of others. People with Narcissistic Personality Behavior can seek treatment, but the condition cannot be cured.
It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Sticking to a plan such family therapy sessions and learning how to communicate when it comes to coping with conflict, self-esteem issues or emotional distress can help. Oftentimes medication is given. Understanding how to accept their abilities and potential, can help to cope with disapproval and failures. Staying motivated and reminding themselves that they can work to repair damaged relationships can help individuals with this mental issue become more content with their life.
References
- Healthy Place. com
- Famous People with Borderline Personality Disorder, July 2016,
- Reviewed by Harry Croft, MD.
- Depressionalliance.org
- Famous People Diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, April 2018
- By Chelsea Rivera
- WebMD.com
- Personality Disorders Affect 15% of Americans, August 2004
- By Jeanie Lerche Davis
- Psychology Today
- The 10 Personality Disorders, May 2012
- By Neel Burton, MD.
