Pediatricians throughout the United States now have the opportunity to become specialists in the area of child abuse and neglect. In fact, Ofelia Casillas of the Chicago Tribune reported that more than 200 physicians have already taken the first certification exams in child abuse (read the full article here).
The hope is that this new sub-specialty will help promote research into child abuse, as well as provide the field with much needed expertise in this area. Pediatricians with the certification will be able to consult on child abuse cases and to teach other physicians how to spot child abuse. This is potentially good news for the BPD community, given the link between BPD and chronic childhood maltreatment.
I am diagnosed with BPD and I have 4 children. The more I read about this disorder, the more I am scared of the negative effects of my emotions on my children. How am I supposed to ensure I can provide the best possible life for them if the best I can do might not be enough?
Regarding: “I am diagnosed with BPD and I have 4 children. The more I read about this disorder, the more I am scared of the negative effects of my emotions on my children. How am I supposed to ensure I can provide the best possible life for them if the best I can do might not be enough?”
I am no professional, but the fact that you are saying, “hey, I’ve been diagnosed, I’m worried about my children” is a fabulous sign to me. You aren’t denying your diagnosis and you are looking for a solution. – You can ensure the best possible life for them by continuing to go through your therapy to deal with emotions from the past and present. Learn all the parenting tools that you can – and know when to recognize that you need help. I think for most BPDs, the denial and inability to take responsibility for moods/actions makes receiving help impossible for them and their children. To ensure the best life – ask for help with family and social services – without shame. If you can’t ask for help, you won’t ever improve or learn to live well with BPD.