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Story Submission by Justine, Age 25
For as long as I can remember I have been ‘borderline’, that is, having Borderline Personality Disorder. BPD is a very common but highly stigmatised disorder. Along with BPD I have depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, and have had anorexia, which I am now fully recovered from. I have also recovered from self harm and a suicide attempt.
Having BPD is very confusing; you never know how you will feel from one minute to the next and you often don’t know who you are and feel chronic emptiness. But having and working on old cars helps me a lot. It gives me a goal to work toward and I love it when I’m out and about with my car, and people come up and talk to me about it. It’s the one thing I let myself be proud of, as being proud of myself is very hard for me.
I often feel inadequate because I have never been able to hold down a job and my interests change constantly. But I have always loved cars, especially older cars. I don’t know how I will be tomorrow or next week or next year, but I will always have hope.
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