Left rib, right lung: a novel on the adverse effects of borderline personality disorder and suicide in a relationship
Mental health disorders have become an increasingly prevalent issue within the contemporary social zeitgeist, yet there is still much in the way of misunderstanding when it comes to specifically Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This creative thesis attempts to depict a true-to-life experience of BPD and how it affects a relationship. The work does this through following the story of Connor, a contractor, as he unravels over the suicide of his fiancé, Killian, a writer known for his mental health disorders and BPD specifically, but suffers due to his neglect of proper therapy. This story draws from the theories posited by Otto Kernberg regarding symptomatic traits of BPD, such as identity diffusion, hypermentalization, and emotional dysregulation. The story portrays these behavioral symptoms through Connor’s hallucinations following Killian’s death, and dissects his poor responses and how they negatively affected Killian throughout the relationship. The story’s arc comes to a close when Connor finally accepts his and Killian’s shortcomings, and reflects on how they both failed the relationship. Through this narrative, this work encourages readers to deepen their understanding of BPD and the difficulties of both going through it and being with someone afflicted by it.