Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) May 04, 2016
One in ten people who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) commit suicide. According to the not-for-profit organization Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder (TARA 4 BPD), the BPD suicide rate is similar to that of patients with Schizophrenia and major mood disorder. However, the rate of BPD suicide is 2-3 times greater than Schizophrenia. Many BPD deaths may also relate to co-morbid conditions such as substance abuse, eating disorders, or impulsive sex leading to diseases such as AIDS.
Brookhaven Retreat LLC, a unique residential treatment facility exclusively for women with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, recognizes the work of TARA 4 BPD and for the sake of their clients who suffer from BPD, are raising awareness during Borderline Personality Disorder Month in May.
Although BPD poses a serious threat of suicide that should always be taken seriously, research has shown that positive outcomes are possible for people with BPD if they are engaged in treatment.
Brookhaven Retreat has incorporated Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment specifically designed for people with self-harm behaviors, such as self-cutting, thoughts of suicide, urges toward suicide and suicide attempts. Developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD. at the University of Washington, DBT elicits behavioral change with acceptance, compassion and validation. The use of DBT has successfully decreased the number of suicides by half and hospital stays by 80 percent.
Clients who exhibit behaviors of borderline personality (BPD) may also struggle with depression, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, eating disorders, or drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Founder Jacqueline Dawes, says, “It is crucial that we pay attention to the warning signs so we can be more effective in treating clients to help restore their physical and emotional strength, faith, their determination to choose life over death, and go on to create a life worth living.”
To aid in early detection, Brookhaven Retreat recognizes the following list of warning signs as cited by the American Association of Suicidology:
1. Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use
2. No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
3. Anxiety, agitation, insomnia or sleeping too much
4. Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
5. Hopelessness
6. Withdrawal from friends, family and society
7. Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
8. Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
9. Dramatic mood changes
If you know someone displaying these symptoms, Brookhaven Retreat suggests seeking help immediately. Early detection improves the chances of survival and recovery. A primary care physician or mental health provider who specializes in suicide prevention can provide appropriate guidelines. Help lines or hotlines are available to provide generalized referral services for finding service providers in your area. Contact information for those organizations can be found online or in a local phone directory.
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.