Hoping to learn from this community

[graceandpeace]

Hello,
I am a 55 yo sister to someone who has had mental health issues her entire life. I am the oldest of 4 children and she is the youngest. She has been shuffled in, out, around, and through the mental health system since she was very young without any real improvement. In fact, she is only getting worse as she ages. She refuses to let any of her relatives have involvement in her current treatment so I am unaware of her current diagnosis. Having recently taken the NAMI family to family class I am convinced that she has BPD and I feel as if Narcissistic PD is also appropriate. Alcohol abuse and promiscuity are present. Depression has been a constant companion. There may be other issues at play as well.

I am looking to engage with others in my situation in order to gain a better understanding of how to help her without enabling her. I am hoping I can find that here in this community. Thank you and I look forward to learning from those of you who are further along this difficult path.

[Woolspinner2000]

Hi graceandpeace! 

Welcome to our online family! I'm so glad that you've come to share your story and to join us in this journey. It really is challenging. How wonderful that you are seeking understanding so that you can help the relationship between you and your sister.

I've found in my own life that as I began this personal journey to understanding, somehow it has managed to leak out to other family members, thus aiding us all in understanding and healing from my uBPDm. I liken it to tossing a pebble into water, and seeing the rings moving outward from the continued affect of that tiny stone.

I'm including a couple of links that I think may be helpful places for you to start.

https://bpdfamily.com/content/communication-skills-validation
https://bpdfamily.com/content/ending-conflict

Have you read any books about BPD yet? Is there a T in your area who is familiar with Borderlines? I have found such great help and validation with my T as I work to overcome the effects of a pwBPD. Thank you for wanting to make a difference in your own life and protecting yourself in a healthy manner. 

 
Wools

[Mutt]

Hi graceandpeace,



I'd like to join Woolspinner2000 and welcome you. What's her current treatment?