We need to stop demonizing personality disorders. While it's understandable not to condone self-absorbed or destructive behaviors in individuals with these issues, it's important to see that many people with personality disorders are unaware of their condition until they undergo extensive therapy or years of introspection following the wake of destruction they've left in their lives.
People who want to be better don't want to be perceived as inherently bad. Most people, in general, don't desire to be seen in a negative light. If all they hear are negative stereotypes about those with personality disorders, they'll struggle to find acceptance and may resist identifying with a label that society deems undesirable; a label that could significantly change their lives by giving them a framework for understanding their self and becoming accountable for and potentially changing the very behaviors cursed by judgement and a complete lack of understanding.
These same people who ruthlessly judge will say they’re empathic 😂 and maybe they are a little who am I to judge.
This situation is profoundly disheartening and exacerbates the challenges faced by those grappling with their identity in a world where conformity to a specific standard is necessary for acceptance. Existing in a society where one must meet certain criteria to be deemed worthy, or even admired, is incredibly challenging. Now, do it as someone with a label that people hate or make fun of.
The next time you want to call someone a narcissist, bite your tongue, because it’s a disorder, not an insult, and using it that way just robs somebody else of their freedom. It’s heartless, short sighted, and ignorant; dare I say, quite narcissistic… Thanks for reading.