Issue 24: Jamie - Miss Canada Petite 20/21

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder can be extreamly isolating due to the major misconceptions and lack of professional help. Leaving many with the disorder struggling to understand themselves and cope with the symptoms, afraid of the de-humanizing point of view from societal oppression. Hence why Jamie de Roos is changing the language of societal oppression associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. Jamie was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder at the age of twenty. When people tell you they experience a wave of relief when receiving their diagnosis, Jaime did not have any sense of relief. Jamie was terrified and scared about the stigmatization that she was now having to experience along with the diagnosis. Afraid of being perceived of as crazy due to her diagnosis, fuelled her to create a platform that destroys the negative societal perceptions associated with this disorder. Having lived with the diagnosis for five-years, Jamie has had the opportunity to learn about herself and the way in which her brain works. Borderline Personality Disorder can be very damaging and difficult, losing personal relationships; however, Jamie is on a journey to normalize the diagnosis and empower those living with the disorder through her platform ‘BPD Power Hour’.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a serious mental illness that causes the inability to manage emotions effectively. Specifically referring to relationships, those with Borderline Personality Disorder can experience intense emotions; surrounding abandonment having a severe impact on all, several or specific relationships. Those with the condition experience an unclear self-image, emotional and behavioural deregulation; all of which usually stem from childhood trauma/experiences or biological aetiologies. With the intense emotions that come with the Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis, self-harm and suicidal ideation/attempts are a common experience. The average life expectancy predicted by health care professionals is only twenty-seven!

Being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be a relief for some, however, the diagnosis comes with a very heavy societal stigmatization. Even though there are advocates fighting against stigma associated with mental illness diagnoses, Borderline Personality Disorder has a stigma that goes beyond any other mental illness. As Borderline Personality Disorder is the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood mental health condition. Especially in the health care profession, when it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder health care professionals tend to limit the amount of time with these patients; sometimes even refusing service. This also impacts the way in which practitioners tolerate the actions, thoughts, and emotional reactions of those with Borderline Personality Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder has a high morbidity and mortality rate, however, the stigmatization in the healthcare system undermines the lives and care of those living with the disorder; as well as their families/caregivers. The structural stigmatization, cultural norms, and institutional policies limit the opportunities, resources, and understanding for the general wellbeing of individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder. The current treatment and care of those living with the disorder are often inadequate in meeting the needs of these individuals. The overall stigma associated with Borderline Personality Disorder results in restricted access to health services and suboptimal quality of care that undermines the diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes of these patients. This issue within the healthcare system often stems from inadequate training in providing support and treatment to patients living with this disorder.

Within the general community there is multiple barriers for those with Borderline Personality Disorder, due to this continued stigmatization and lack of understanding. The most reported issue is the rejection and refusal from housing and living accommodations due to the public view that those with the disorder are violent in nature.

With the stigma associated with Borderline Personality Disorder, Jamie decided to become a Mental Health Advocate, where she took her platform to the Miss Canada Petite stage in 2020. Jamie not only took home the title of 2020/2021 Miss Canada Petite, but also the ability to enhance her confidence towards her mission to create change. Jamie created two excellent resources for individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder. Jamie created a Borderline Personality Disorder photoshoot to showcase what living with this mental illness is like in a visual format. The imagery depicts the emotions of fighting for a way to control the symptoms, depicting how difficult it can be.

Check out the photoshoot here: www.mentalpowerhour.com/photoshoot

Furthermore, Jamie created a podcast series, BPD Power Hour, featuring those living with Borderline Personality Disorder. As there are nine diagnostic criteria associated Borderline Personality Disorder, to receive a diagnosis an individual only needs to meet five out of the nine criteria. This leads to over 256 different versions of the same mental illness. Hence, the need to showcase how these symptoms are experienced by various individuals. BPD Power Hour showcases various perspectives of Borderline Personality Disorder, ways in which others handle the disorder, as well as any advice for those with the diagnosis or aiming to receive a diagnosis. Additionally, giving these people the opportunity to experience their very own mental power hour!

Check out the podcast here: https://www.mentalpowerhour.com/podcast

Want to learn more about Jamie and her platform? Check out her website https://www.mentalpowerhour.com & follow her on Instagram @jamie.deroos

Are you someone who is a positive change maker? Have a story to tell? Passionate towards a particular issue? Contact The REAL Resilient Michayla Del Guidice for more information:

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