Support for people diagnosed with personality disorder

People who have been diagnosed with personality disorder have put together an information pack to help others who have been recently diagnosed.

The Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service Development Collaborative (SDC) is a group of volunteers who work with staff from our Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service User Network to raise awareness of personality disorder and improve services for those living with this diagnosis.

They have produced an information pack, which provides a wealth of information for people who have, or are exploring, a diagnosis, as well as their loved ones and carers. 

Katie, a member of the SDC, said: “When I was diagnosed, all I had was Google to help me research what that actually meant for me.

“Google is not always helpful but when you have no resources, sometimes it's the only choice. I had to wait a year-and-a-half to get the tools and skills I needed.

“I can't wait to see these displayed everywhere and to know we can potentially help individuals in some way.

“I feel really proud to be a part of the SDC and Service User Network.

“This information pack highlights how important having expert by experience and service users' involvement, and working collaboratively with professionals, can change the way the NHS mental health system works.”

Cayla Grist, another member of the SDC, has also designed a Wellness Leaflet.

She said: “As a service user myself, I was tired of all the corporate looking handouts that you get given through your journey with services.

“So I decided to design something that looked a little different and didn't read as a bunch of jargon. I think the final result is beautiful and if it can help just one person, then that's a job well done in my eyes.”

You can find the Personality Disorders Information Pack​ and Service User Wellness Leaflet on the Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service User Network page.