You don't have to tell your boss that you have BPD, but some people find that being transparent actually improves relationships at work. You may find it easier to explain your mood swings and impulsive behaviours or ask for help when you need it.
As long as you know what your rights are and you have decided what degree of disclosure will make you comfortable in your workplace, talking to your boss about leave for treatment should go smoothly. Don't be afraid to bring in your psychiatrist or therapist if necessary.
There is still much stigma around Borderline Personality Disorder, even among some in the clinical community, which is unfortunate. When it comes to whether you disclose your diagnosis, remember that this is your choice, and it's important to make it from a rational place — from your Wise Mind.
It is certainly possible to have BPD and success in education and employment. In fact, many maintain strong careers when able to control BPD symptoms. On the other hand, some people with BPD have trouble with their career in which some are unemployed, underemployed or unhappy in their jobs.
People who suffer from BPD often also suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, and/or anxiety disorders. To qualify for disability benefits through Social Security on the basis of BPD, you need to either meet SSA's Blue Book listing or demonstrate that your BPD makes it impossible for you to work.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act
It also protects you if you have a history or record of a mental disability, or if you have a perceived mental disability. Your employer is not permitted to terminate you because of a mental disability or because you requested a reasonable accommodation for your mental disability.
Many people with BPD feel emotions deeply and find working in a caring role fulfilling. If you are an empathetic person, consider jobs such as teaching, childcare, nursing and animal care.
Be as consistent with your behavior toward them as you can. Try to keep things on decent, civil terms and document everything. Cover yourself at every turn. Learn as much as you can about Borderline Personality Disorder and try not to take any irrational actions personally.
There is no definitive test to diagnose borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is diagnosed through a clinical interview with a licensed mental health professional, explains Simon A.
Results found in a 2014 study found the average length of a BPD relationship between those who either married or living together as partners was 7.3 years. However, there are cases where couples can stay together for 20+ years.
Fear of Patients Lashing Out. Individuals with symptoms of BPD are particularly sensitive to perceived criticism. This increases the likelihood that they will feel attacked when a therapist attempts to offer suggestions or insights. This often leads to lashing out.
If you decide to share your mental health status with your boss or human resources manager, consider doing so soon—but not immediately—after being hired. In most situations, experts suggest waiting six months to a year, after you have built relationships with your employer and colleagues. But do not delay too long.
Your boss can fire you because you are not a good fit, for a bad attitude, after conflict with another employee, or simply because they don't like you. Nevertheless, your employer must fire you fairly.
Myth: BPD Is a Rare Condition
It is estimated that more than 14 million Americans have BPD, extrapolated from a large study performed in 2008. An estimated 11% of psychiatric outpatients, 20% of psychiatric inpatients, and 6% of people visiting their primary health care provider have BPD.
According to the DSM-5, BPD can be diagnosed as early as at 12 years old if symptoms persist for at least one year. However, most diagnoses are made during late adolescence or early adulthood.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has long been believed to be a disorder that produces the most intense emotional pain and distress in those who have this condition. Studies have shown that borderline patients experience chronic and significant emotional suffering and mental agony.
In the workplace, BPD can manifest in a person as: Indecision: it may be that their goals, likes, dislikes, and career progression change often. Unstable relationships: relationships with colleagues may be intense, all-or-nothing, and inconsistent.
Borderline personality traits can cause seriously disruptive effects in the workplace. Intense emotions, impulsive behavior, subtle divisiveness and disaffection all contribute to discord and disunity.
While researchers are still trying to pin down the precise areas where BPD and autism overlap, it seems clear that many traits are indeed shared, especially among females. In one study, nearly half of women diagnosed with BPD also met diagnostic criteria for autism when assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient.
It is called 'borderline' because doctors previously thought that it was on the border between two different disorders: neurosis and psychosis. But these terms are no longer used to describe mental illness. It is sometimes called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).
Results: People with Borderline Personality Disorder have a reduced life expectancy of some 20 years, attributable largely to physical health maladies, notably cardiovascular. Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and smoking.