The SANE Blog

There are few things in the world more frightening than hearing that someone is thinking about suicide.

Even when you know you have done everything possible to support them, it’s natural to feel an unsettling sense of preoccupation and responsibility.

Imagine watching a film about the mental illness you’ve just been diagnosed with. Now imagine that film paints a picture of violence and danger. It suggests people with your condition are a terrifying threat to society.

Hollywood loves to use extreme depictions of mental illness to make movies, and they’re not always concerned with accuracy or sensitivity.

The latest example, Split, portrays a highly stigmatising, inaccurate version of dissociative identity disorder (DID).

So it’s time to counter the myths with some facts.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that carries a lot of stigma. Misconceptions about BPD can stop people seeking treatment and influence the way people with BPD are treated by others.

So what are these common misconceptions? And what facts can we use to correct them?

The holiday season can be full of excitement and expectation. You may be looking forward to a traditional Christmas lunch with both sides of the family, or a New Year's Eve celebration bigger than the countdown in Times Square.

But when it comes to event planning, the end result can often fall short of your expectations. You may be left feeling distraught and angry if it doesn't match the grand occasion you imagined.

SANE co-founder and patron, 1986-2016

Anne Deveson was a familiar face on television screens in the 1980s. An established journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker, she was appointed Director of the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School in 1985. What television audiences didn't know however, was that Anne was caring for one of her children, Jonathan, who had developed schizophrenia in his late teens.

‘How can I stop my friend, partner, or parent hoarding?’

This is a common question asked by many people who feel unable to help their loved one.

Caroline Storm began supporting SANE almost 20 years ago after the tragic loss of her daughter, Ann, to mental illness.

'It was really the care and compassion of Barbara that sparked my relationship with SANE. She was a wonderful comfort to me during such a dark period,' says Caroline.

'To this day, it means so much to me to be able to support a cause that works so hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by complex mental illness.'

Since becoming a mental health advocate I’ve received a lot of uplifting messages. A very popular message I’ve received is that people are keeping me in their prayers, or they will pray for me.

Although I don’t believe in most of these people’s God, I appreciate it. I used to go to church, but I’ve found another religion that better suits my beliefs. Still, there is comfort in knowing people wish me well, and are praying for me. That’s kind.

There is a thin line with this though…

Boundary setting is an important, albeit difficult, part of self-care when a loved one is living with a mental illness. This may be harder and more complex for some than others. By setting boundaries, you are taking responsibility for how others treat you and your own needs seriously.