BPD is a form of mental illness that can hamper your quality of life. But can you get disability for borderline personality disorder, if it is affecting your ability to have a normal work and personal life? Let us find out in the article below.
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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that affects how people think, feel, and behave. People with BPD may have intense mood swings, problems with relationships, and difficulty managing their emotions.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not you can get a disability for borderline personality disorder, as each case is unique.
This article will explore some facts about BPD and disability benefits. If you’re considering applying for disability benefits due to BPD or another mental illness, it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process.
Can You Get Disability For Borderline Personality Disorder?
What is BPD?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning.
Individuals with BPD often experience intense emotions and frequently engage in risky or impulsive behaviors. As a result, they usually have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs. BPD can be a debilitating disorder, making it difficult for affected individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Despite the challenges associated with BPD, many people with the disorder live relatively everyday lives. However, some people with BPD may become so impaired by their symptoms that they cannot work or function in society. For these individuals, disability benefits may be an option.
Programs For People with BPD
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two programs that may be able to help people with BPD: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must meet specific medical criteria. You must also meet additional eligibility requirements related to working history, income, age, and disability severity.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a “severe” impairment that prevents you from performing a substantial gainful activity (SGA).
To be eligible for SSI, your BPD must meet the criteria of severity outlined by the SSA and result in “marked and severe functional limitations.” You may be eligible for SSDI if your BPD is severe and has lasted or is expected to last at least one year.
Several symptoms associated with BPD could qualify as qualifying impairments under the SSA’s rules. For example, many individuals with BPD experience
- Intense mood swings
- Irritability
- Rapid changes in interests
- Paranoia or psychosis
- Recurring suicidal ideation or attempts
- Problems controlling anger, and
- Problems forming or maintaining relationships.
You might also like to read: Tips For Supporting Someone With Suicidal Thoughts
How Can A Person With Borderline Personality Disorder Get Disability?
If you have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you may be wondering if there is any chance that you could get disability benefits. While it can be challenging to qualify for disability based on a mental health condition, in some cases, it is possible.
The US government uses a five-step process to determine whether someone is disabled and eligible for social security benefits. To receive benefits, you must meet all of these requirements:
- You cannot work due to your BPD symptoms. If your symptoms are severe to prevent you from working full-time, this step will be pretty easy to prove. However, if your symptoms do not interfere too much with your ability to work and hold down a job, you may have a more challenging time getting approved for benefits.
- Your medical condition needs to be on Social Security’s “list of disabling conditions.” The social security administration (SSA) lists medical conditions that they consider severe enough to qualify you for disability benefits. Unfortunately, BPD is not on this list, so it may not be easy to be eligible for benefits based solely on your BPD diagnosis if your symptoms do not prevent you from working full-time.
- You need to prove that your condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death. If you can work and maintain employment for more than one year with the help of medication and treatment, it may be difficult to prove to the SSA that your condition is severe enough to warrant benefits.
- You must not be able to do any other type of work. If you can do sedentary work (work that does not require much physical activity), you will likely not qualify for disability based on your BPD diagnosis.
- Your medical condition must be verified by a doctor. This step is pretty self-explanatory—if you want to get disability benefits, you need to have your BPD diagnosis confirmed by a medical professional.
Suppose you think you might qualify for social security disability based on your borderline personality disorder diagnosis. In that case, the best thing is to talk to your doctor and see if they think you would be a good candidate for benefits.
If your doctor thinks you have a good chance of getting approved, they can help you gather the necessary paperwork and evidence to submit to the SSA.
Getting disability benefits based on borderline personality disorder can be a long and challenging process, but it is possible in some cases. If you think you might qualify, talk to your doctor and see if they think it is worth pursuing.
You might also like to read: Does Aspergers Get Worse With Age?
Is Borderline Personality Disorder A Severe Mental Illness?
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated as it depends on how we define “serious.” In terms of BPD’s impact on an individual’s life, it can be considered one of the most severe psychiatric disorders.
Individuals with BPD often struggle to manage their emotions, regulate their moods, and maintain healthy and stable relationships. They may engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or impulsive spending. Additionally, people with BPD are at a greater risk for suicide than those without the disorder.
While treatments are available for BPD, such as medication and psychotherapy, these interventions are not always effective. In some cases, individuals with BPD may require hospitalization to stabilize their condition.
Because of the potential severity of BPD, it is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is displaying signs of the disorder.
What Are The Benefits of Being Diagnosed With BPD?
People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may experience many problems in life, but not all is as bad as it seems. Sometimes, having a BPD can also be beneficial to you and your relationships:
Increased self-awareness
Many people with BPD find that they become more aware of their feelings and behaviors over time, which can help them gain greater insight into what drives those feelings and behaviors. As a result, they may feel more in control of their lives and better cope with difficult situations.
Stronger relationships with loved ones
People with BPD often have close personal relationships that tend to be intense and emotionally draining for both parties involved. However, these same relationships can also provide valuable support and understanding, benefiting both parties involved.
Greater creativity
Some people with BPD find that their condition leads to greater creativity and productivity. This may be because people with BPD are often susceptible and have a rich inner life, which can lend well to creative pursuits.
Improved mental health
Many people with BPD find that their symptoms improve over time, especially with treatment and self-care. As a result, they may enjoy better mental health overall and feel more capable of managing their condition.
If you have BPD, it’s important to remember that these benefits are not guaranteed, and everyone experiences the condition differently. However, keeping these potential advantages in mind may help you feel more positive about your situation and make the most of your state.
You might also like to read: Adverse Childhood Experiences’ Impact On Mental Health
Wrap Up
Whether or not you can received disability benefits for having a BPD depends on the severity of the problem. You need to be able to qualify as per the five part test laid out by the US government for disability.
That said, many symptoms and signs of BPD are debilitating and can easily be recognized as a form of disability. Thank you for reading this article, we hope we have covered everything you wanted to know about BPD and disability benefits.
If we left something out, do write to us and we will respond back to you promptly!