Borderline

I thought I could trust her. I noticed that she had something to say about everybody that she knows. She used to embarrass me in front of other people. I thought it was just a joke. I kept my silence. As a mental health counselor, I felt the need to gather more evidence to support my hypothesis. For more than 6 years, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I noticed that she becomes too dramatic. She has no close friends. I felt that I was the only person who stayed as her friend the longest. She appears to be nice but once I turn my back, she had a lot to say. The latest that she did, was to call my “pilay (pee-luy)” in English this means cripple. I don’t deny that. I am a person with disability. But to change my name to “cripple” is a cruel behavior.  It was an assault to my personality and honor. It was discrimination. But this strengthened my hypothesis, she is a Borderline. I am glad I decided to stop being her friend. People with Borderline personality disorder can be destructive on a personal and organizational levels. They are intelligent and excellent actors. Suddenly you’ll notice other people starts asking you, “is it true that _____. I was told you are ___.” or suddenly your friends start avoiding you for no apparent reason, start searching for clues. One of you friends are talking behind your back bad mouthing you. The foregoing are examples of how borderlines operate. They are masters of deceit. 

Are you neurotic or psychotic?

With all the craziness going on around these days, it has almost become an effort to stay sane. At work, there is an increase on the number of people requesting for mental health services. As I assess and evaluate their circumstances, I have come to realize that there is just a very thin line differentiating people we call “normal” from the people with mental health issues. If one would take time to read the DSM-IV TR, there is no doubt that you will see yourself in one of the diagnostic criteria.

ethics…

i attended a training/workshop on ethics (American Couselors Code of Ethics) in mental health. one of the participants raised an ethical dilemma regarding dual roles. after sharing her story, i was wondering why was it a dilemma for her. if she followed the code of ethics and if she was sure of herself that she made a sound decision why would it bother her.

ethical dilemmas arise when there is a conflict between personal issues and the code of ethics. one should side with the law if there is doubt.