Tips on Borderline Personality Disorder and violent behaviour

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Weathering the Storm - (Extracts from the book: BDOTI FIL-MALTEMP. Edited by Nora Macelli and Connie Magro. Published by the Mental Health Association and the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, 2015.) Translated by JEAN KILLICK
 
Tips on BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER and violent behaviour
 
There is a difference between understanding and accepting feelings, and understanding and accepting behaviour.  Violence is not only aggression but results from the person feeling threatened.  But violence should never be acceptable.
 
With medication and support, mentally ill patients who have aggressive tendencies do not present a danger to the general public.  If you feel threatened by your relative’s behaviour, don’t dismiss it; protect yourself by leaving and asking for help.   In the meantime, do the following:

• Avoid touching .
• Leave a space between you and the mentally ill patient.
• Don’t get between the mentally ill patient and the door.
• Ensure that there is a building exit you can use.
• Talk calmly and softly.
• Don’t argue and don’t answer back angrily.
•  If asks a question, give a brief reply in a reasonable tone.  That way the patient will not feel ignored.
• Try not to show that you are uncomfortable, nervous or afraid.
• Don’t point your finger at , or put your hands at your waist – it look as though you are challenging him.
• Don’t move suddenly.
• Show him that you are there to help.
• Not every unusual or strange behaviour is violent.