A Year of Triumph and Daily Struggle
Donna Rose, a 35-year-old tighthead prop, has enjoyed a remarkable year on the rugby field. She represented Wales at her second World Cup and helped Saracens win the Premiership Women's Rugby title in June. Known for her hard-hitting style and big personality, few see the daily challenges she faces off the pitch.[S1]
Rose lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition marked by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. She describes it as severe self-doubt, like a 'devil' telling her she isn't good enough. 'It affects me every day of my life,' she says, explaining that she feels emotions twice as intensely as others, making small issues feel overwhelming.[S1]
From Diagnosis to Turning Point
Rose was diagnosed with BPD at age 21. Growing up in the traveller community, she felt different but couldn't understand why. Struggling at school and with the police, her mental health deteriorated until she was admitted to a crisis team, where she received her diagnosis. Initially seeing it as just a label, she researched the condition and learned to identify triggers that led her to unwanted places.[S1]
Rose, a 35-year-old rugby player, has found a powerful way to manage her borderline personality disorder (BPD). She takes daily medication, but it's rugby that she credits as her real medicine. The sport offers an adrenaline rush and helps silence the negative voice in her head. Despite starting her international rugby journey in 2021, she has already achieved remarkable success, earning 42 caps, participating in two World Cups and four Six Nations tournaments, and winning two Premiership Women's Rugby titles with Saracens.[S1]
Rugby as a Support System
Rose believes BPD makes her a better player, calling it her 'superpower.' She channels her anger into disciplined, powerful play, excelling at smashing through opponents rather than technical skills. The changing room, often with over 30 people, can be challenging, but her team-mates, staff, and doctor provide daily check-ins and support, especially during the World Cup.[S1]
Fear of abandonment is a trigger for Rose, but she finds support from Saracens' Marlie Packer and Wales' Carys Phillips. She sometimes feels alone in noisy rooms, but her teams allow her space when needed and offer comfort when necessary. Eighteen months ago, her daughter Margot was born, bringing joy that transforms her bad days.[S1]
An Open Book to Inspire Others
Rose, a rugby player, has found the strength to speak openly about her experience with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), reframing it as a source of empowerment rather than suffering. She aims to inspire others facing similar challenges, emphasizing that mental health struggles don't define a person's potential. 'You can strive to flourish and become who you aspire to be,' she encourages, using her own journey to support and uplift those around her.[S1]
