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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
