Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an emotional rollercoaster. The intense emotions, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty in maintaining stable relationships can make everyday life challenging. I am blessed to have the constant support of my miniature Pinscher, Tazz, he provides me with love, companionship, and a sense of stability.
I am in the fortunate position of being able to take Tazz to work with me at the shop. He is always at my feet and alerts me when people enter the shop. He senses when I’m uncomfortable and makes an effort to soothe me or defend me! The defending is generally growling, that is a annoying at times, but I know he does it because he wants to protect me.
Unconditional Love
One of the wonderful abilities of dogs is unconditional love, regardless of my mood swings and emotional instability, Tazz is always there, offering a loving and affectionate presence. His wagging tail and excited jumps, remind me that I am worthy of love, even on my darkest days. Tazz’s love helps counteract the negative self-image that often accompanies BPD.
Emotional Support
Living with BPD means living with intense emotions that can sometimes overwhelm me. Tazz has an ability to sense when I’m feeling distressed or anxious. At these times, he curls up beside me, offering a calming presence. His presence helps me to regulate my emotions and provides a safe space for me to process my feelings. Tazz’s presence helps me to be grounded in the present moment, helping me to stay emotionally regulated.
Routine and Structure
Maintaining a routine can be difficult for those of us who live with BPD. Tazz provides structure and purpose to my day. His feeding, walks, and playtime create a sense of order in my life. Meeting his needs helps me stay focused and provides a sense of responsibility, encouraging me to self-care. Tazz’s presence brings structure and stability into my life, which is crucial for managing my BPD symptoms.
Social Support
Living with BPD can often lead to strained relationships, as the fear of abandonment and intense emotions can put a strain on relationships. Tazz is, at times, a bridge between me and the outside world. Taking him for walks or to the park helps me to socially interact, creating connection with others and a sense of community. Tazz’s loving support helps to alleviate the isolation that comes with BPD.
Living with BPD brings many challenges, having Tazz with me has made a world of difference. His unwavering love, emotional support, routine, and social companionship helps me navigate the ups and downs. Tazz is my mighty companion, reminding me that I am not alone in my journey. If you’re considering getting a pet and have BPD, I highly recommend considering a furry friend like Tazz. The presence of a pet offers support and companionship when we need it most.
Links
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/pets-therapeutic-for-borderline-personality-disord
https://exploringyourmind.com/pet-dogs-therapeutic-borderline-personality-disorder/
Very lovely photos and story too.
Always look forward to reading your stories Tracy, and are always here xx
I also love reading your stories and both your dogs are gorgeous xx