How to Live With a Personality Disorder

It can be difficult to live with a personality disorder, since by definition these disorders interfere with one's ability to lead a normal, productive existence. However, there is hope with psychotherapy, group therapy and support groups. Read on to learn how to live with a personality disorder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Psychiatrist or psychologist

1. Live with a personality disorder by attending psychotherapy sessions, which are widely regarded by most mental health professionals to be the most effective form of treatment. Psychotherapy, which uses talking therapy to discover the root causes of the personality disorder, helps define and eliminate the feelings and emotions that have led to the creation of the personality disorder.
2. Attend group therapy sessions with others who have the same type of personality disorder as you do, or one that is similar. Group therapy is an excellent way to develop skill sets for interpersonal relationships, and can reduce the feelings of isolation that can occur when you live with a personality disorder. However, group therapy may not be effective with some personality disorders, such as dependent personality disorder or avoidant personality disorder, due to the stress created by interacting with others.
3. Find local support groups in your community that can help you. By listening to others who have gone through similar challenges, you can learn how to cope with your unwanted patterns of behavior more objectively. Support groups are also an excellent resource for people who cannot afford extensive psychotherapy or group therapy.
4. Stay connected to family and friends. The symptoms of most personality disorders accelerate when you break off relationships and spend too much time alone. Your friends and loved ones can offer constant feedback about your behavior, and keep you informed about any sudden changes in your demeanor.
5. Avoid hiding from the world by refusing to leave your home. Personality disorders reflect a departure from what is considered normal behavior in today's society. By keeping in touch with the world, you can define what constitutes normal behavior more accurately.

Tips & Warnings

• Prescription medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, are only used occasionally to treat personality disorders, since they can stall progress achieved during psychotherapy. If they are prescribed in more severe cases, they should only be used for a short period of time.