BPD and Stigma

BPD remains one of the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and most stigmatized conditions

A stigma is a preconceived idea or stereotype that causes someone to devalue or think less of the person in question

Common BPD stereotypes include that they are dramatic, manipulative, and attention-seeking

The damage caused by BPD stigma can be devastating, but breaking through prejudices to find healing is essential to regaining stability and creating a more stable, fulfilling future

BPD is one of the most stigmatized mental health disorders in existence

People with BPD are usually suspected of wrongdoing, carelessness, and anger, so they have difficulty building a regular routine

People tend to think of those with mental illness in three ways:

Fear-they believe mentally ill people are a danger to the people around them
Irresponsible-they believe mentally ill people are self-indulgent and lazy and could get over the disease if they just stopped wallowing
Helpless-they believe people with mental illness are childlike and require the same assistance as a toddler, incapable of making their own choices

These stereotypes can make it more difficult for those with BPD to live a normal life

Stigma surrounding mental health is very prevelant in society and is a constant struggle

Three ways to combat stigma associated with BPD are:

Educate and correct common misconceptions about the disorder
Teach new skills that promote positive treatment outcomes
Encourage a deeper understanding, through social interactions and personal stories of individuals living with BPD, which will help to create more empathy

Understanding to Stop Stigma

We are not untreatable

Through therapy, we can learn healthy coping strategies to deal with our intense emotional arousal, which will help us relate better to those around us

We're doing our best

(And we know you are too.) Living with BPD is not easy, and it can be difficult for loved ones as well. People with BPD really appreciate love and support

BPD is an emotional regulation disorder

It means that you have a hard time regulating your emotions to be effective in certain situatons. It dosen't mean they can't work or have loving relationships. Through therapy, they can learn healthy coping strategies

We don't self-harm for attention

Up to 70% of those with BPD self-harm. When they do that, it's often because they don't have the coping mechanisms to deal with their pain in a healthy and productive way

BPD looks different on everyone

BPD is pretty individualized in how it presents. Knowing one person with Borderline definitely does not mean you know them all. There are different levels of BPD, different types, and high-functioning and low-functioning

We are so much more than our diagnosis

People with BPD are strong, very kind, very caring, very loving people. They love other humans, they love animals, and they are brilliant listeners

Find out more