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Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder show a generalized
pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image,
and observable emotions, and significant impulsiveness. This pattern
begins by early adulthood, occurs in various contexts, and is
indicated by five (or more) of the following (from DSM IV,
American Psychiatric Association, 1994).
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Individuals who just can't take it anymore show a
generalized pattern of being seriously fucked over in relationships,
no money or little white picket fucking fences, and
significantly bad attitude toward authority. This pattern begins by
early adulthood, occurs in various contexts (duh!), and is indicated by
five (or more) of the following
(from "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd on
The Wall, 1994).
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1. Frantic efforts (excluding suicidal or self-inflicted cuts or
burns) to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
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Hello. Hello. Hello...
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me
Is there anyone home?
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2. A pattern of intense and unstable interpersonal relationships
that may quickly alternate between extremes of idealization and
devaluation.
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Come on, now.
I hear you're feeling down.
Well I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again.
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3. Identity disturbance: sudden and dramatic shifts in self-image in
terms of shifting values (e.g., sexual identity, types of friends)
and vocational goals.
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Relax. Relax. Relax...
I need some information first.
Just the basic facts
Can you show me where it hurts?
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4. Impulsiveness in at least two areas that are potentially harmful
(e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge
eating, excluding suicidal or self-mutilating behavior).
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There is no pain, you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
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5. Repeated suicidal behavior or threats, or self-inflicted cuts or
burns (e.g., self-mutilating behavior).
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When I was a child I had a fever.
My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I got that feeling once again.
I can't explain, you would not understand.
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.
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6. Significant, sudden changes in mood and observable emotion (e.g.,
intense periodic sadness, irritability, or anxiety, usually lasting
a few hours and rarely lasting more than a few days; extreme
reactivity to interpersonal stresses).
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OK. OK. OK...
Just a little pinprick.
There'll be no more ...aaaaaahhhhh!
But you may feel a little sick.
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7. Chronic feelings of emptiness; also may be easily bored.
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Can you stand up? Stand up. Stand up...
I do believe it's working. Good.
That'll keep you going for the show.
Come on it's time to go...
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8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
(e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent
physical fights).
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There is no pain, you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying...
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9. Temporary, stress-related psychosis (symptoms such as paranoia or
grossly distorted body image)
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When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone.
I cannot put my finger on it now.
The child is grown, the dream is gone.
I have become comfortably numb.
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