Totally hear and agree with you, JS. Labels are in many ways harmful and are also just a way to compartmentalize some condition...
In regards to the LBS, labels can induce a state of stuck. When the DB work, on themselves, is the same.
dbmod reminded me of the importance of context, as stated in the "interpretation / infidelity" thread.
A WAS can certainly walk away and behave in similar ways as someone "in MLC"... the context of WAS and MLC are different though, IMHO...
What appears to be different between WAS and MLC is, a WAS is neurologically capable of understanding and even acknowledging the impact of their decisions to walk away. A MLCer, akin to someone with a mental health condition, appears to be neurologically INCAPABLE of understanding or acknowledging the impact of their decisions.
To me, that is the important context and the basis for the difference on how a LBS attitude and behaviour EXTERNALLY and IN CONTEXT to the MLCer needs to be different than it might in regards to a WAS.
And also, your point on triggers is great. In normal context, a trigger can cause any number of short term traumas or reactions. Some of those MAY become long term, if not dealt with. IMHO, a person who is predisposed to a transition... a trigger (trauma) can make the difference between whether a person simply transitions, or goes into crises... or stated differently, a person beginning or in transition can go into crises if cognitively, they are unable to deal with the sudden trauma.
Dory: awesome add!
Part of the reason I mention above about crises tools is, while there may be symptoms similar to bi-polar or PDs, and depression DOES seem to be prevalent in people believed to be MLC, it is how a person in crises is... for lack of a better term, "dealt with"...
A stick?
ie. Get yourself together, man! This is all ridiculous stuff that you are doing, can't you see it? Keep acting this way and I'm going to leave you hang in the wind. Here's what you're doing wrong and when you start to change your behaviours, I will come back to you or be here for you...
Compassion and understanding?
ie. You are in crises. While what you are doing may be socially or generally unacceptable, it is understandable given your crises. Please know that I am here for you and I recognize that you are dealing with the world, and with me, as though your very life is in danger. As a result, you are likely to lash out at me, as much as you are likely to cling to me, as someone in the process of drowning, and even possibly pull me under, with you. The difference is, I know we are both safe. Eventually, you will understand, as well. In the mean time, I understand, and I am here IF you need me.
I do know that sometimes a stick works. A crises CAN be ended with the introduction of another crises. OTOH, a person in crises MAY be blind to other crises, as it may just blend. And further, it does appear that with MLC, if their transition is interrupted, they may simply re-enter that transition in a crises way, in the future... Eventually, interrupted or not, that transition MUST be completed...
