According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Borderline Personality Disorder often peaks in young adulthood. This time in an individual’s life is critical to self-exploration and finding ones identity. Struggling with BPD can make this an extremely difficult and lengthy process.
Education, for most individuals, is an experience that influences the rest of their lives. However, those with BPD exhibit symptoms that make developing long-term plans, and being successful in those plans, difficult.
Students with BPD have special needs, such as an emotionally-supportive environment, support and guidance from peers and authoritative figures, extra assistance or additional time for completing assignments through difficult periods, as well as the ability to explore themselves educationally without penalty.
The ideas I’ve listed below are merely suggestions for those struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, based on my own experiences. I’ve exhibited symptoms of BPD since the age of 16. With that being said, college was the hardest and most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
In college, I studied mental illness extensively, and through self-awareness, have been able to lead a productive life with much success. However, I struggled with the issues I highlighted below through my formative years and believe that these issues can be avoided by making informed decisions.
Locations that are Closer to Home Provide Emotional Support
I cannot stress enough how important an emotionally-supportive community is for those who are affected by Borderline Personality Disorder. Without a supportive environment, those with BPD can struggle with isolation, feelings of emptiness and suicidal thoughts, amongst others.
Choose a post-secondary institution that is either close to home, where the individual can interact with family and friends who are already consistent in their life, or in a location where the individual with BPD has built a strong community compromised of family members or long-term friends; ideally both.
This will ensure that the individual has someone to talk to about their new experiences and support them in hard times, which will lessen the chance and severity of melancholic periods and will enhance their chances at success.
Smaller Institutes Enable Stronger Communities
Similar to above, the size of a post-secondary institution is crucial when considering the need of a supportive community.
The advantages of choosing a college or university that is small in comparison to larger institutions are endless. Often, these colleges will have smaller departments and even smaller class sizes. The benefits of this include: a more tight-knit group of students due to frequent similarities in class schedules and extra-curricular activities, professors and administrative staff that know their students by name and can spend more time assisting them, and a more consistent learning environment.
This will allow students with Borderline Personality Disorder to engage in a stable environment, with endless support from their peers, teachers and staff.
If the individual with BPD has their eyes set on a larger institution such as Harvard or Yale, it would be wise to choose a smaller department, where possible, in which students will interact regularly in order to avoid isolation.
Colleges that don't Penalize you for Switching Majors
I know from my own experience that choosing a major and staying true to it is a daunting task. While I was pursuing my education, I switched between four different institutions, explored countless majors and moved all over the continent before ultimately discovering my true passion.
With that being said, it is easy to imagine how obtaining an education can be difficult for someone with Borderline Personality Disorder.
In order to make the experience easier, try finding a college or university that allows for one to two years of open-ended study before choosing a major. This will reduce the amount of fluctuations in major and allow for exploration of a variety of subjects. I would also suggest ensuring that the institution allows for transferring credit to another university, just in case of a change of heart.
Student Services that Offer Assistance and Understanding
While many students benefit from the services their college or university provides, those same services can be the biggest factor in determining whether or not an individual with BPD ultimately succeeds in accomplishing their educational goals.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder may not consistently utilize student services, but availability is critical.
Some of the services post-secondary institutions provide are psychological counseling, peer mediation, career guidance, tutoring services and disabilities services that often accommodate people with disabilities such as BPD by extending homework deadlines and providing extra assistance when needed.
Most institutions provide these services, but it's always best to check in advance.
The Best Chance at Success is a Combination of These Factors
These small tips can truly alter the experience an individual has with post-secondary education. By taking steps to ensuring a supportive environment, extra assistance when needed and the freedom to explore their options without penalty, any young adult with BPD is equipped with the tools required for success.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. NIMH.NIH.gov.
Join the Conversation