The Significance of Self-Care for Individuals Living with a Personality Disorder

Living with a personality disorder can be challenging, and it's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Self-care is an essential part of maintaining good mental health and well-being, especially for individuals with personality disorders. 

What is self-care? 

Self-care refers to the activities and practices that we engage in to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's about taking the time to attend to our needs and make sure that we're taking care of ourselves in the best way possible. Self-care can include things like eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and engaging in activities that we enjoy. It also includes taking time for yourself, setting boundaries, and saying no to things that do not align with your values and goals. It also includes taking time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, and to practice self-compassion.

What are some examples of self-care?

There are many different forms of self-care, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some examples of self-care activities include:

• Practising mindfulness and meditation
• Going for a walk 
• Spending time with friends and family
• Reading a book or watching a movie
• Listening to music or taking a relaxing bath
• Journaling or writing
• Taking a yoga or dance class
• Speak to a friend or family member
• Get some exercise 
• Pursuing a hobby or interest
• Keeping a mood journal 
• Seeing a therapist or psychiatrist to work through difficult emotions
• Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and regular medical check-ups

It can be beneficial to have a collection of items readily available to assist you during difficult times, similar to creating a mental health first-aid kit. This could include items such as favourite literature, movies, or music, a tool for releasing tension like a stress ball or fidget toy, uplifting quotes or messages, comforting images or photographs, a cozy blanket or stuffed animal, and nice-smelling candles. 

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How does self-care help?

The difficulties and emotional pain that come with a personality disorder can lead to the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms as a means of immediate relief. These mechanisms may include substance abuse, smoking, overeating, or self-harm as ways of coping with difficult emotions and situations. This is where self-care comes in. Self-care helps to reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. It can also help to improve our mood and increase our ability to cope with difficult situations. It can help to reduce symptoms, improve relationships, and increase the overall quality of life. For people with personality disorder, self-care can also help in managing the symptoms and triggers of their condition such as anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. It also can help in developing healthy coping mechanisms, and in building self-awareness and self-compassion.

It's important to have a plan in place for when you may be feeling overwhelmed or in a crisis. This can include strategies to keep yourself safe, such as knowing when to reach out for emergency services. This type of plan is often referred to as a safety plan.

Creating a safety plan with the help of a trusted mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can be helpful in providing a clear and concise plan of action to follow during times of distress. It is also a good idea to share this plan with a loved one or family member so that they are aware of the steps to take in case of an emergency.

If you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, it is recommended to work with your treatment provider to create a safety plan, which should be included as a special section in your overall management plan. This will ensure that you have a clear action plan in place and can provide a sense of control and security during times of crisis.

This is also an act of self-care. 

Bottom Line 

Self-care is an important aspect of maintaining good mental health and well-being, especially for those with personality disorders. It's about taking the time to attend to our needs and make sure that we're taking care of ourselves in the best way possible. It can be helpful to experiment with different forms of self-care to find what works best for you. Remember to be kind to yourself, and don't be afraid to reach out for support if you need it. Remember that self-care is not selfish, it's necessary. Taking care of yourself is a way of showing respect and love to yourself, and it's an important step in the journey toward healing and recovery.