Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

For many years, mental illness has been surrounded by social stigma. Those with diagnosable mental illnesses often feel judged and ashamed to admit or discuss their challenges with others – sometimes not even their closest friends and family members. Fortunately, the balance is now beginning to tip. Increasing emphasis is being placed on understanding, accepting, and respecting individuals with mental illnesses. As your online mental health therapist, I’m continuing this effort by dedicating this blog post to a unique and challenging form of mental illness that many individuals face: Borderline Personality Disorder.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness that is often characterized by unstable behaviors, moods, and relationships. The word “borderline” in its name is a little misleading. It is not meant to minimize the effects or challenges of the disorder in any way; it represents the fact that this disorder often displays some of the characteristics of other types of mental disorders.

Many of the men and women who suffer from BPD also exhibit signs of other mental disorders, which can make it challenging to accurately diagnose. Examples of these co-occurring disorders may include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm or suicidal behaviors.

Who Suffers From Borderline Personality Disorder?

According to BorderlinePersonalityDisorder.com, BPD affects approximately 5.9% of adults (roughly 14 million Americans) at some point in their life. 20% of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals are affected by BPD. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are much more likely to be affected by BPD – approximately 50%.

While symptoms of borderline personality disorder can appear in early childhood, it does not usually officially being until early adulthood. Young adults tend to suffer from this condition the worst, and its effects may gradually lessen as they age.