I get your frustration. It's like when someone flippantly says, "I have OCD," because they like a clean home. Or when someone says, "I'm biolar," because they have a couple of mood swings. It's a basic overview. Everyone can get a basic idea of what it's like, or relate in some way; but it totally disregards the painful realities, actual intensity, and severity mental illness poses.
It can be so upsetting when I share what I'm struggling with and someone says, "that doesn't sound abnormal. That's something I relate to." I mean, I'm not mad that they relate, but it feels invalidating. How could they possibility relate? I'm the crazy one here!
Recently I shared with a friend that I was worried I was slipping into my illness because I stole my BF's shirt from his house.
Friend, "Oh everyone does that!"
Me, "Right, but that was the compromised I made with myself. My original impulse was wanting to take all his clothes out of his closet, put them on his bed, get naked, and roll around in the pile like a cat on catnip. Who does that?"
Friend, "Aww, it's so sweet that you like him so much. You're just in love!"
Me, "Really? I felt like I was going to die by not giving into that impulse. Now I'm embarrassed, ashamed, and kind of want to die because I stole his shirt! That isn't love, that's BPD!"
Friend, "Don't you think you're being a little dramatic?"
Me, "Uhm, yes. EXACTLY!"
*Bowing to Applause*
This BPD Girl
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