The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
There are many personality disorders that can range from obsessive tendencies to narcissistic behavior. People with personality disorders tend to have a black and white view of the world and their habits; this can sometimes lead to challenges throughout their day, including difficulty interacting with others, struggling with a regular routine, and maintaining habits as they grow older. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all personality disorders are debilitating and problematic to live with. When it comes to living your life with one of these conditions, it’s important to remember that there are not only treatments available but also multiple sources that are easily accessible to support you.
Find Support
One of the most important aspects of living a successful life with a personality disorder is to find a strong support system to help you through challenges and changes. A support system consists of friends, family members, and other trusted individuals like a mental health care provider that can provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to talk through your frustrations and emotions. Whether you’re looking for solutions or you just need an outlet to vent without feeling judged, these people should help you feel comfortable and understood while you’re talking. It’s important to do some research on personality disorders, to become more acquainted with what they are and how they affect people. You can read more about personality disorders here.
Actively Learn & Listen
Constantly learning and developing as a person is a helpful way to live with a personality disorder. Not only is it important for reducing stigmas and harmful stereotypes, but it can also help you and your loved ones learn more about your condition and helpful solutions to common problems. Finding a forum with others that have the same personality disorder or similar experiences with symptoms can provide you with the comfort and encouragement to seek treatment and mental health care that works for your needs, including your availability and budget.
Find Treatment That Works
Finding effective treatment for your personality disorder first starts with a diagnosis. If you’re concerned with symptoms you’ve been experiencing, like eccentric and impulsive behavior or difficulty controlling your reactions, it’s important to remember that looking for multiple opinions is an option. If you don’t feel comfortable with your current mental health care provider or would even just like to hear another professional’s opinion on your diagnosis, this can be an important step to finding the right option for treatment. Your health is ultimately in your hands and treatment should ultimately be making your daily routine easier rather than more complex and strenuous.
Focus On Your Strengths
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that a personality disorder doesn’t have to be seen as a negative diagnosis on your character. You’re a unique person with talents and interests that make you an intricate individual. If your diagnosis brings you distress, focusing on your strengths and the positives your personality provides is a key to staying optimistic and realistic about your situation. For example, many personality disorders can improve a person’s focus or motivation to accomplish tasks and goals they set out for themselves. While you’re working to regulate your behavior and control impulses, work with an experienced mental health care professional to find ways to use some symptoms to your advantage.
When living with a personality disorder, it’s important to remember that there are individuals available to provide assistance and reassurance. This is also an opportunity to work on open communication and setting boundaries – if you’re having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed, you can express your feelings and limitations to friends or peers so they can also understand how to help and improve your circumstances. Some personality disorders are more severe than others, so treatment and solutions will look different for each case; but, with a healthy support system, open communication, and a constant effort to learn more about yourself and circumstances, it’s possible to address these conditions.
