Families and carers of people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or traits will be able to access specialist clinicians for free thanks to a 12-week program in Orange.
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From Tuesday, the National Education Alliance for Border Personality Disorder (BPD) and its Family Connections program will help them understand the condition.
The three clinicians, including Susan Blinkhorn, have received training from Harvard University’s Alan Fruzzetti.
Dr Blinkhorn is a child and adolescent mental health psychiatrist at Western NSW Local Health District.
“When your loved one receives the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder it can also be an especially alienating and painfully lonely experience, as there are still many damaging myths and stigmas associated with this disorder,” Dr Blinkhorn said.
BPD means people can’t manage emotions effectively, impacting their relationships.
Sometimes all relationships may be affected, at other times it may only be one.
It can sometimes lead to deteriorating mental health including depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.
The Family Connections program which was developed in America is designed to support families by helping to understand the disorder, the impact it has and skills which can improve their lives.
“Teaching skills to assist with managing emotions is one of the key aspects of the programme,” Dr Blinkhorn said.
“Emotional dysregulation is at the heart of the disorder.”
The 12-week Family Connections program begins on Tuesday, November 21.
Interested families and carers can register for the program by visiting www.bpdaustralia.com/family-connections or by emailing bpdfamilyconnections@gmail.com.