A dis‐ordered personality? It’s time to reframe borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Accessible summary What is known on the subject Integrating strengths‐based, co‐produced, consumer‐driven resources into mental health workforce education has the potential to dissolve hierarchical mental health care relationships. What the paper adds to existing knowledge Humanities‐based pedagogy that draws from photography and multi‐voiced narratives is a powerful reflective learning tool to bridge clinical and human experiences of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The Depth of Field reflective learning methodology aims to provoke, prod, reveal and challenge assumptions and/or unconscious bias towards BPD and stimulate raw and reflective discussions that have the potential to inspire critical reflection and move health professionals towards more humanistic, recovery centred models of mental health care. What are the implications for mental health nursing At the core of co‐production in research, education and practice lies a reciprocal, transformational learning experience. This relationship needs to be further explored in order to reframe mental health education that honours and legitimizes consumers as experts of their own lives and recovery experiences.

An Open Conversation About Postpartum PsychosisAn Interview with Jessie Hunt: Communications Lead, Advocate, and Expert by Experience

“…Indeed, more research studies are needed to understand the etiological factors associated with the occurrence of postpartum psychosis [7]. There has also been a burgeoning interest and emphasis on incorporating user-led (or lived expert) experience and perspective in the development of mental health research, evidence-based policy and practice, as well as education curriculum [8][9][10][11]. From our conversation with Jessie, it is evident that there are tremendous benefits when women with lived experience of postpartum psychosis can work together with researchers and academics to conduct meaningful and insightful research and help shape policy for a future generation.…”

Introduction

“…A more recent and personalized practice has been termed "digital daily practice," which involves taking a photo every day to understand the affordances this unassuming photographic chore can offer (Brewster and Cox 2019). By specifically focusing on one condition, photography has also been used in the assessment of hoarding disorder (De la Cruz et al 2013), psychosis (Maniam et al 2016), narcissism (Barry 2017), borderline personality disorder (Brand et al 2021), and dementia (Dooley et al 2020).…”

A research approach for co‐designing education with healthcare consumers

“…This is beautifully articulated in Wikstrom's description 44 of the power of art dialogues to transport ‘participants out of the real world and into a magic world of symbols and images’ that challenges literal and concrete thinking 9 . The final themed portraits include Katherine: Borderline Warrior (Borderline personality disorder) 45 ; Rosalie: Speak from the Heart (exploring Indigenous intergenerational trauma); Donna: Naturally Tough (Schizophrenia); Shannon: Holding Hope (Anorexia); Clinton: Hope & Renewal (seven mental illness diagnoses), and Pamela: The Artist's Mother who cares for her son Tom who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia 23 years ago. The six visual narratives can be viewed here https://vimeo.com/385779412…”