Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation helps people with BPD (and their partner or family) understand the illness. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can do psychoeducation as well as your main psychological treatment.
You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your doctor or another trained mental health worker.
Ask your doctor if any programs are available in your region.
Support that involves families
Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and learn how to support you in your treatment. Try to include your family in your management plan, if you can. Make sure you nominate which family member/s or friend/s your treatment provider can talk to, and make sure this is recorded in your notes.
It is easier for you and for your family when all of you have the same information about your condition and the choice of treatment. If you can all understand each other, you can work towards the same goal of your recovery.
Family psychoeducation programs help with communication and problem-solving. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very distressing to see someone you love become unwell with BPD.
You can ask for written information about your treatment (including medication and psychological treatment) to show your family or partner.
What if I have kids?
BPD might make it feel hard to be a parent, but you can still be a good parent.
The best things you can do for your children are to keep working on your treatment to get well, and to shield them as much as possible from the effects of BPD.
If you feel that you need help with parenting, a parenting program could help you learn skills. Ask your psychiatrist or another health professional to help.
If you have a baby, your baby should stay with you even if you need to go to hospital.