I remember watching a really interesting documentary with Stephen Fry on BPD (as he has it himself). At one point he talks to Carrie Fisher (who also has it) and they ask each other the question, "if you could cure it by taking a single pill, would you do it?". They both said no pretty emphatically; the lows were worth it because the highs were so amazing. I found this fascinating, that after all the tough times they've been through, they wouldn't change it for the world. It made me realise how complex and enigmatic BPD is, and perhaps how difficult it is for others to understand what it is like for those that have it.
Yeah.
I can see their viewpoint, but I'd personally take that pill in a heartbeat. To me, the highs are outright false and don't feel like true confidence; I get a little
too secure, overconfident, and brash. Not being able to sleep for a few days also sucks--you feel as though you can't burn out until you outright crash, which kind of makes you a bit paranoid about when that crash will come. You have to check with trusted people--"Am I looking a bit worn out? Am I acting like a dick?" Oh, and also there are the lows.
I'm fortunate enough to have a flexible job, which has allowed me some freedom to go out and seek the right combination of medications. Shit's all good with me.
The whole thing made me learn firsthand about agency and lack of control, realizing what little separates any of us from any other of us who would commit murders and other atrocities.
I've also guided an employee of mine who has it (along with ADHD or something along those lines) and gave him a few months off to get good treatment, too. I was there waiting for him when he got back; he's still "hyperactive"--but more enthusiastic; we channel that energy in a very positive way.
Whether one requires treatment is all a matter of whether their condition makes functioning overly difficult.