Personality Disorders
A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school.
In some cases, you may not realize that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving seems natural to you. And you may blame others for the challenges you face.
Personality disorders usually begin in the teenage years or early adulthood. There are many types of personality disorders. Some types may become less obvious throughout middle age.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Types of Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Symptoms

- There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following:
- Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
- Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
- Impulsivity or the failure to plan ahead
- Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
- Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others
- Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations
- Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors

- The individual is at least age 18 years
- There is evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15 years
- The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode
Treatment
- Medical treatment - Hospitalization
- Psychosocial treatment - Individual psychotherapy, Group therapy, Family therapy, Other psychosocial therapies
Resources
Symptoms

- Avoiding occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
- Unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked
- Showing restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed
- Preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations
- Inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy
- Viewing self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
- Unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors

- Individuals with this personality disorder are socially inhibited, usually feel inadequate, and are overly sensitive to criticism.
Treatment
- Medical treatment
- Psychosocial treatment
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy
Resources
Symptoms

- A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
- has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
- is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
- believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
- requires excessive admiration
- has a sense of entitlement (e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations)
- is interpersonally exploitative (e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends)
- lacks empathy is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feeling and needs of others
- is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her 9.) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Treatment
- Medical treatment - Hospitalization
- Psychosocial Treatment
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy
Resources
Symptoms

- Key features of OCD:
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- Insight
- Resistance
- Shame and secrecy
- Long-lasting symptoms
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors

- OCD is sometimes accompanied by depression, eating disorders, substance abuse disorder, a personality disorder, attention deficit disorder, or another of the anxiety disorders.
- There is an increased rate of OCD in people with Tourette' s syndrome.
- Other illnesses that may be linked to OCD are trichotillomania (the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, or other body hair), body dysmorphic disorder (excessive preoccupation with imaginary or exaggerated defects in appearance), and hypochondriasis (the fear of having -- despite medical evaluation and reassurance - a serious disease).
Treatment
Clinical research has provided information leading to both pharmacological and behavioral treatments that can benefit the person with OCD. One patient may benefit significantly from behavior therapy, while another will benefit from pharmacotherapy. Some others may use both medication and behavior therapy. Others may begin with medication to gain control over their symptoms and then continue with behavior therapy. Which therapy to use should be decided by the individual patient in consultation with his or her therapist.
Resources
Men’s Peer Support Group
Online Mixed Peer Support Group
Postpartum Peer Support Group
Women’s Peer Support
Indigenous Talking Circle
Friends and Family Support Group
Youth Peer Support
Mixed Senior’s Tea & Tales
Mixed Coffee and Chat
Mixed Bipolar
Mixed Depression & Anxiety
Young Adult Peer Support Group
Mixed Peer Support Group – Parkland
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Activity Club
Westman Men’s Exchange
Bipolar Peer Support Group
Power To Parent
This group caters to everyone who identifies as men that addresses to all mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
IN PERSON
Mondays
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This group caters to everyone regardless of their age or gender and addresses all mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
Our postpartum support group addresses issues and concerns that can come with the birth of a baby, with special emphasis on postpartum depression.
These in-person and online groups for women welcome open, honest and heartfelt connections and conversations. We aim to provide coping techniques, and support for women struggling with their mental health.
IN PERSON
Thursdays
6:45pm to 7;45pm
Facilitator: Asta Carvalho
ONLINE
Thursdays (Cancelled on April 27th)
12:00pm to 1:00pm
Facilitator: Asta
LAUNCH ONLINE MEETING
This group is specifically offered to the Indigenous community and their families. Our aim is to provide support for any diagnosed or undiagnosed mood disorders along with resources in each group.
This group offers support to friends and family to help them deal with mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
This online group offers a safe space for youth under 17 years of age where they can come together and chat about their own mental health and seek help for any mood disorders they might be suffering from.
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for afternoon tea or coffee to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics about mental health, or simply to connect with other people in a similar age group!
Location: Our office at 4 Fort Street; Winnipeg
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
1:30pm to 3:30pm
Facilitator: Pam
This in-person group is offered to all in community and their families. We provide an educational component along with resources in each group.
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
5:30pm to 6:30pm
This in-person group is for anyone who is suffering from bipolar diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support, conversations and connection.
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
6:30 to 7:30pm
This is an in-person group for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety diagnosed or undiagnosed. We welcome you to experience connection and conversation along with support and resources to help you heal.
IN PERSON
Thursdays
6:30pm to 7:30pm
This group is a safe space where youth ages 18-24 come together and chat about their own mental health and what’s going on in their lives. We will cover certain themes every week and at the end of every month we will have an outing while doing peer support. Themes can include Self-care, Support Systems, Advocacy, Transitioning and more.
ON HOLD
This is an online group that meets on Saturdays.
This is a “coffee and conversation” support group for women experiencing mood disorders, low mood, or the frustrations and concerns of Covid-19. It is a group of women helping women through sisterhood and connection. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please contact westman@moodmb.ca or call / text Marian at 204-721-2174 or Susan at susans@moodmb.ca
It is a group aimed primarily at men 40+ but those younger are welcome as well. The group fosters socialization and connection amongst men in a workshop setting. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group.)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please contact Marian at westman@moodmb.ca or at 204-721-2174
IN PERSON
Wednesdays
12:30 to 2:00 pm
Facilitator: In person at the BNRC Creation Nation Maker Space in Brandon, Manitoba
Join men aged 18+ from Westman area to discuss news about your community, your interests and general connection and camaraderie.
For more information or to register for free, please email at westman@moodmb.ca or call / text 204-721-2174
An online peer support group for those living with bipolar, diagnosed or undiagnosed. Meet and connect with peers in your area on Thursday nights. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please email at westman@moodmb.ca or call / text 204-721-2174
Please note: Power to Parent will be taking a hiatus until sometime in the fall season. This is owing to how busy parents are due to the summer holidays.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Westman office at (204) 721-2174
We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to seeing you sometime in the fall!