How borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a jobHow borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a job
All In The Mind
Extreme emotional turmoil, fears of abandonment, huge amounts of stigma… These factors can make navigating a career when you have borderline personality disorder really tricky. But Rosie and Enya are making it happen. Today, how to navigate your working life when you have BPD. We hear from Enya, a listener who works on fishing boats while receiving treatment for her BPD, and Rosie, a teacher and author who decided to disclose her diagnosis with her workplace. How has borderline personality disorder impacted their careers? And what advice does an occupational therapist have for people with BPD entering the workforce? This episode includes mention of self-harm and suicide. Please take care while listening. Guests: Enya Rosie Cappucino Author, Talking about BPD Dr Suzanne Dawson Occupational Therapist Senior Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute Flinders University Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart Thanks to freesound.org users digifishmusic and Scott_Snailham. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Support services: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue Australian BPD Foundation
29:35•25 Oct 2025
Balancing Careers and Borderline Personality Disorder
Episode Overview
- BPD can make holding down a job challenging due to emotional instability.
- Sharing your diagnosis at work can be daunting but rewarding.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy helps regulate emotions effectively.
- Occupational therapy offers strategies for managing mental health at work.
- Resilience and support are key to thriving professionally despite BPD.
“"I thought that if my employers knew about my diagnosis that I'd be not offered a job or not trusted."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? The latest episode of 'All In The Mind' tackles the challenges faced by individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in maintaining a career. Rosie, a teacher and author, and Enya, a listener working on fishing boats, share their personal experiences of managing work while dealing with BPD. The stigma surrounding BPD, characterised by impulsivity and emotional instability, can make holding down a job incredibly tough.
However, Rosie and Enya show that it’s possible to thrive professionally despite these hurdles. Enya's journey takes us from idyllic childhood days spent sailing to battling severe emotional turmoil and self-harm as she navigates her career in the maritime sector. Rosie opens up about her fears of being misjudged due to her diagnosis but finds solace in sharing her story with colleagues.
Occupational therapist Suzanne Dawson provides practical advice for those with BPD entering the workforce, emphasising the importance of recognising early warning signs and managing mental health proactively. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) emerges as a lifeline for both Rosie and Enya, equipping them with tools to regulate intense emotions and maintain stability at work. This episode offers an honest glimpse into the lives of those living with BPD, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the resilience required to succeed in the workplace.
How do individuals manage their careers amidst emotional chaos? Tune in to find out.
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