BPD and denial

[gnosis]

Is it true to say that individuals with BPD tend to deny the consequences of their actions rather than change their behaviour? I am diagnosed as BPD and although i am currently quite high functioning,when i was in a bad phase (well, habitually really) i used to be constantly late to work (stil am but on flexitime now so it doesn't matter) and never really made that much of an effort to do anything about it, now i look back and wonder why i wasn't more motivated to do something about it.  I was just wondering if this behaviour is anything to do with my disorder or if, in this aspect, i am just plain lazy? Thanks.

[spagnuolo]

My brother was diagnosed with a bi-polar disorder and then later with a borderline personality disorder. He is also highly functional though. And although not everyone is the same I know he deals with apathy. He doesn't really have any emotional reactions. Most people feel some degree of emotion as a result of their actions but I think it is less realized in those with this kind of mental illness. I think structure helps. Having a set schedule knowing exactly what has to get done on any day. Having specific days for laundry, food shopping and sticking to them as much as possible. Going to bed at the same time, getting up at the same time. Take notes on what you want to accomplish. Even just getting up. etc you get the idea. I know this doesn't exactly address the problem but its something.

[newdad115]

I know exactly what you mean gnostic. i am the same way.  I have been diagnosed with OCD, Panic Disorder and Depression.  I have been taking meds for about 5 years now.  I have a really good job where punctuality is very important. i have had my share of warnings but continue to be either right on time or a minute or two early.  My boss actually tol me if I was 1 minute late he would fire me!  I continue to struggle getting to work on time. I barely make it everyday!  I don't think it is laziness , i think it is b/c  peoplw like you and I (who have been diagnosed) find it easy to blame our issues on our health problems.  We chalk it up as a struggle to deal with everything.  It is hard to explain and trust me , I know EXACTLY what you mean ... hard to explain how I think it may work though.  In the meantime .. I'm still banking on getting to work right on time!  sorry , i tried my best to explain but almost confused myself in the process! ha

[gnosis]

How bizarre? So when you are afraid of failing you actually sabotage yourself?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Probably not related to either the disorder or being lazy, but tightly connected to the fear of failing, and what that does to blunt your motivation.  When you are afraid to fail, you usually don't put in your best effort. It is a common paradox.