There are many reasons – and no, we’re not saying they’re correct – why people often struggle to understand and have a nuanced approach to personality disorders. Maybe it’s because the term sounds like something is fundamentally off with someone. Or, perhaps, it’s because mental health issues in general (still) carry a bulk of social stigma. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that personality disorders are often misunderstood, which doesn’t help individuals who suffer from them.
Some people quickly jump to conclusions, thinking those with these conditions are either “too complex” or even “dangerous” to society. But in reality, personality disorders are just patterns of thoughts and behaviors that don’t quite fit the culturally accepted norm. It’s key to remember that these disorders don’t define who a person is or what their inner human value is. The right support and a good amount of compassion and understanding – that’s what we need to invest in changing these stereotypes so people with personality disorders can live their daily lives just like anyone else.
What are personality disorders?
What exactly is personality? It’s your unique way of thinking, viewing the world (your own Weltanschauung, a philosophy teacher would add), feeling, behaving, and relating to the people in your (nearest) surroundings. And when does personality become something stable and firm? Well, by the time you’ve reached adulthood, your personality has probably settled and won’t change much in the future.
According to the US government’s MedlinePlus, personality disorders are a group of mental health issues involving long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that differ from what’s typically considered normal in one’s culture. These thoughts and behaviors tend to be unhealthy and rigid. They often lead to serious challenges in relationships, work, and other social activities. For those with personality disorders, even everyday stresses and problems can feel like too much and somewhat difficult to manage. An estimated 9 percent of adults in the US have at least one personality disorder. In Tennessee alone, there are 252,000 adults living with a serious mental illness. These numbers clearly highlight the need for addressing the issue.
What types of personality disorders exist out there?
There’s a psychiatric consensus that there are ten types of personality disorders. They’re grouped into categories or clusters as they’re known in this field of medicine (Clusters A, B, and C).
Cluster A (paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders)
Personality disorders in Cluster A are the “eccentric” group –which means odd, unusual, or downright quirky ways of thinking and behaving.
Cluster B (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders)
Anxious, unpredictable feelings and actions are characteristics of personality disorders in Cluster B.
Cluster C (avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (not to be confused with OCD))
Cluster C personality disorders are all about anxiety and fearfulness that shape a person’s thoughts and behaviors. A pervasive sense of unnatural unease accompanies them and leads individuals to experience high levels of apprehension in various aspects of their lives.
Personality disorders treatment – is it possible?
While personality disorders are treatable, there is an issue with access to mental health care across the US. According to the latest data, in the above-mentioned Tennessee alone, 3,224,296 people live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals. Finding the right personality disorder treatment can significantly help in managing symptoms. Often, the treatment for these conditions revolves around Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It’s a type of talk therapy designed for those who experience emotions intensely.
Why are personality disorders often misunderstood in society?
Knowing the basics, let’s explore why people are so quick to stigmatize and misunderstand all three clusters of personality disorders in today’s society.
Stigma concerning mental health issues in general
We should recognize that despite progress, mental health issues (such as depression and anxiety disorders) still often bear a stigma. Many individuals are reluctant to seek treatment – a clear sign if there ever was one of this persistent negativity.
Now, one shouldn’t think we’re saying that the situation is as dire as it was 70 years ago. However, we still need to do significant work. Fortunately, progress continues to advance, and many people are working on spreading awareness. We can reasonably hope for a future where seeking therapy isn’t taboo, even in the country’s most remote areas.
Particular stigma concerning personality disorders
Suppose there’s still a stigma surrounding various mental health issues. Unfortunately, it is more prevalent than personality disorders among US citizens and has even become somewhat accepted. In that case, it’s easy to imagine that personality disorders face even greater stigma.
While feeling low, depressed, or anxious might seem natural to some, the idea that there’s something fundamentally wrong with one’s personality can send a troubling message to those around you. This is especially problematic for someone with a condition like antisocial personality disorder.
An idea that personality disorders are notoriously difficult to treat
There’s a common but mistaken belief that personality disorders are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to treat. This misconception often leads people to avoid seeking help as they fear negative labels or isolated from their peers. Many people hesitate to start treatment because they worry about being judged, which is, as we see, unfortunately, a realistic kind of worry.
Media and pop-culture portrayal of personality disorders
Pop culture often swings between two extremes when depicting personality disorders and contributes to the reason why personality disorders are often misunderstood. None of these polar opposites do any good to people who deal with personality disorders.
On the one hand, we’ve got characters with a paranoid personality disorder or schizophrenia that media as endearing eccentrics whose peculiarities add charm to their personality. On the other hand, popular media exaggerates these characters into more troubling stereotypes. It portrays individuals as unstable or unpredictable, as people we wouldn’t want to be near.
While these portrayals can draw attention and create memorable characters, they also risk reinforcing misunderstandings and stigmas. Rather than offering a more accurate depiction of the experiences of those with personality disorders, it further encourages this negative perception.
Conclusion
While there’s no debate about why personality disorders are often misunderstood in society, as there are many evident reasons for this, it’s pretty positive that we’ve identified several areas where we can make progress. Compassion, raising awareness, and creating content that portrays people with mental health issues with greater sincerity and fewer stereotypes may hold the keys to overcoming stigma.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
