Marsha Linehan, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Theory for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder uses a simple phrase to describe the goal of her therapy: to help people create a life worth living.
How does that work?
In addition to therapy, medication and hospitalization this research study on peer support shows that sharing “lived” experience with others is a powerful and highly effective tool in the mental health arsenal.
It has been well established that pets can have a profound effect on the health and well-being of humans. And that includes benefits for people who have mental health issues.
Many people who are diagnosed with Borderline Personality who exhibit a high degree of emotional sensitivity along with what is described as a genetic vulnerability to emotional dysregulation might actually possess a form of giftedness. Which begs the question: “If this is a gift, why does it hurt so much?”
There are lots of research studies that support the value of including animals as part of a treatment plan for a wide range of health issues. But no studies have specifically looked at the experience of people who have borderline personality disorder and also own pets. Until now…
It’s no surprise to hear that having a pet can boost feelings of well-being in Tabby or Fido’s owner. Now there is scientific proof that this also occurs in people who have borderline personality disorder.
