The Love We Think We Deserve

“We accept the love we think we deserve.”- Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower The Love We Think We Deserve is a bold, thought-provoking show about people living with Borderline Personality Disorder, how they experience the world and the struggles they face. Around 1 in a 100 people live with BPD, yet it is one of the most stigmatized mental health conditions. Online searches will reinforce harmful stereotypes and the majority of articles advise you how to “spot borderlines” – and avoid them. Rosie Cappuccino writes in her book, ‘Talking About BPD’: “A couple of clicks reveal widespread derogatory attitudes towards the condition […] YouTube videos […] warn that people with BPD are […] impossible to connect with and incapable of love. […] for many people the risks of being deemed untrustworthy, incapable or even dangerous can be too high. […] Many people […] feel safer disclosing anything but BPD.” With this play, I aim to give an insight into what living with BPD feels like and contribute to breaking down the stigma, bit by bit. “I am not the other. I am one of you. Speak about me as if I were in the room- because I am.” Strictly ages 15 and above- contains heavy themes. Discussion of stigmatization of mental health conditions and discrimination against people diagnosed with personality disorders. Non-explicit discussions of suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviours. Brief, non-explicit discussion of causes of aforementioned mental health conditions (eg. abuse and neglect). Non-graphic depiction and discussion of sexual assault. Instagram: @annabontovics_actor and @wallflower_theatrecompany Facebook: Bontovics-Mészáros Anna