Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Navigating emotions, BPD awareness unveils a path to understanding, fostering empathy, and promoting mental health conversations.
At least 14 million Americans suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and many more may be undiagnosed. More common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder combined, this often misunderstood psychiatric disorder is the third leading cause of death for young women between the ages of 15 and 24.Â
Research and education about BPD indicates that this is a treatable condition. It is important to know that there is hope for those who are diagnosed with BPD and vital to provide access to the appropriate health care measures.
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month is here to increase education and inform the public about this challenging mental illness while raising the amount of support given by health professionals, family members, employers, community members and more.
History of Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
The earliest use of the term ‘borderline personality’ in the United States was proposed in the late 1930s by psychoanalyst Adolph Stern. After that, research and understanding into this disorder has developed and evolved over time. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the term BPD was accepted into psychological terminology and entered into the DSM III.
The background of Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month in the US has roots that can be traced back to 2007 when Congressional hearings were organized by the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) with the purpose of educating legislators about this mental illness. Then, in 2008, a vote was passed in the House of Representatives to support May as the time for Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month.
How to Celebrate Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Show some support for those who have BPD as well as those who work with and care for them. Connect with Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month by joining in on some of these activities:
Get Access to Resources About BPD
An excellent way to observe Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month is to get more informed and educated about this mental health issue. Consider accessing information from the NEABPD, the National Institute of Mental Health or from a local mental health provider.Â
Consider Facts About Borderline Personality Disorder
While BPD can cause complications and difficulties in relationships, family members, coworkers and friends who are educated and informed about the mental illness are more likely to be able to support those they love.
Consider some of these important facts in observance of Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month:
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While BPD does not currently have a cure, it can be treated and the prognosis is positive for those who go to therapy and take medication (if prescribed) to help with managing their symptoms
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People who have BPD usually display a wide range of mood swings and can often display a strong sense of insecurity and instability
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Many people who have Borderline Personality Disorder may show frantic efforts to avoid abandonment by friends and family, whether real or perceived
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People who have BPD are much more likely to die by suicide, particularly when the condition is left untreated
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