Thread: Need help developing a mental illness in a character

RAD or PTSD based on what you have said. I've known some people with bipolar disorder, and honestly I don't think it would work based on your hesitation and lack of a psychological explanation for how the disorder would arise as a result of trauma.

Thanks again

Hey, Behavioral Health Specialist and Psych major here. Borderline's very real and often the result of some type of abandonment, as it is usually manifesting as a fear or concern with being rejected or abandoned. This is why borderlines act so strangely in relationships. If they fear something isn't going well, they worry about how the other person is going to react. They immediately blame themselves, often harshly and with self-deprivating talk, and then sometimes go so far as to end the relationship themselves to avoid the feelings of abandonment. It's a huge intimacy issue and can result in a major violation of trust, such as abuse from a loved one.

It also manifests in an eagerness or obligation try and please others. They practically worship their significant others, allowing themselves even to be treated poorly, and participating in activities they normally wouldn't consent to, out of fear that their partner will reject them for voicing a contrary opinion.

Basically, it involves a "worship you or hate you" mentality and it can often switch between the two quickly. For your story, this could possibly create that whole "bipolarish" mood swinging which makes for a lot of interesting plot developments. Let me know how it turns out, or if you have more psych questions. I've got a Diagnostic Statistics Manual for Psychological Disorders on my desk right here.

-Mick

WriterinCA,

Many abused or neglected (emotionally and/or physically) children will later (often as teens, so your 10th grade character fits) develop a mental disorder that manifests itself as cutting or self-injurious behaviors as a way to release anger, sadness, emptiness and other emotions. Many of these teens/young adults were raised in homes that did not allow the child to express any negative emotions or they were punished for doing so (even crying). So they learn to release their emotions "silently" through this behaviors and most are very good at hiding the injuries. You can find a lot of information on this now, although 20 years ago it was fairly unknown in the psych world. I hope this helps and good luck!

thank you all