ABC Radio

All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • How borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a job

How borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a job

Saturday 25th October 2025

Explore how BPD affects careers through personal stories and expert advice on managing mental health in the workplace.
30 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

All In The Mind
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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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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