This will likely get downvoted. 

As much as I appreciate this subreddit, it's largely populated by people (understandably) lamenting about BPD. But isn't this tendency to see only the bad in things just another *symptom* of BPD? Isn't this just more all-or-nothing thinking? By only focusing on the negatives of BPD--which, I admit, is all too easy--aren't we only reinforcing our sense of hopelessness and powerlessness? Aren't we just forfeiting our fight against this condition? 

Don't get me wrong. I think BPD is *really* bad. It nearly killed me (who knows, it still might), has killed many, and it will kill a lot more. It's utterly devastating, and anyone who doesn't have it should be grateful to have been spared the psychological agony that many of us experience daily. 

But I no longer think it's *all* bad. I can think of several benefits to having BPD: being fairly good at reading people; having a heightened sense of self-awareness; and having lots of experience with many hobbies/occupations (thanks to the identity disturbance). These are just a few things. 

Now, I'm not saying that these "benefits" make BPD worth having. In my case, they don't. I'd rather give these things up than have BPD. 

What I am saying, however, is that we should be more aware of the unique perspectives and abilities that BPD offers each of us who have it, and we should try to integrate these positives into our overall conception of our BPD. To see the entire spectrum of this illness--the bad and the good--is to begin to conquer it. 

I invite criticism of this viewpoint. But I'd also like to hear from anyone who might have found some value--practical or otherwise--in having BPD. 

Thanks. 