As the old saying goes “money can’t buy happiness” and that holds true for 27 year old Brandon Marshall of the Miami Dolphins who recently came forward for suffering from a condition known as borderline personality disorder. Throughout his NFL career, Marshall saw physiatrists and after hitting rock bottom decided to become a patient at McLean Hospital in Boston, where he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People suffering from BPD, suffer from inner turmoil that causes them to lash out impulsively and have chaotic relationships. They are uncertain about their identity, and see things only as extremes-good or bad and these sudden shifts often lead to intense and unstable relationships. Symptoms include feelings of emptiness, fear and abandonment, inappropriate anger, and impulsivity. If left untreated, the disorder often leads to depression, problems with work and family, suicide, or drug and alcohol addiction.
Marshall’s story is a great example of an individual recognizing the factor inside of them that may lead them down the path of alcohol and drug addiction. Had Marshall continued to ignore his disorder we may be looking at a very different story, one wrought with the destruction that accompanies alcohol and drug addiction. Yet by speaking out and getting help he is taking the steps to avoid falling down that “rabbit hole.”
Mental disorders, such as BPD often lead to a dual-diagnosis of one suffering from psychological issues and using alcohol and drug abuse to curb those symptoms. When individual’s take the time to recognize their disorder the chances of not falling into the devastating grip of alcohol and drug addiction are lessened, as well as those in recovery avoiding relapse. Co-occurring disorders are both complicated and dangerous. One must keep both the disorder and the addiction at the forefront of their treatment to gain and maintain lifelong recovery. Call us today for more information on dual-diagnosis and don’t be afraid to come forward about psychological disorders that you may be suffering from. Money may not buy happiness, but your bravery can create it!