What is BPD?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health diagnosis characterised by significant emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal dysfunction. It is a complex disorder which can involve high rates of self-harm, emotional distress and impulsive behaviours. Between 2% and 5% of Australians are affected by BPD at some stage in their lives, however the causes of BPD are not fully understood. They are thought likely to involve biological, social and/or environmental factors. For some people, these factors may relate to childhood experiences of trauma or neglect.
What does recovery for BPD look like?
It was previously thought BPD was untreatable, however clinical trials have disproven this, developing several evidence based BPD therapy modalities including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT), Schema Therapy (ST) and the Transference Focused Therapy. DBT is the most evidence-based treatment for BPD. Originally developed to support individuals experiencing chronic suicidal thoughts and behaviors, DBT aims to help people understand and manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthier ways of coping with distress. It focuses on validation, accepting emotions as real and understandable, while also encouraging positive changes to harmful or self-destructive behaviours.
DBT involves weekly individual or group therapy sessions, where individuals learn practical skills for managing emotions, coping with difficult situations and improving relationships. The approach also recognises that individuals with BPD may view situations in very rigid or “black and white” ways, and helps them develop more flexible ways of thinking. Alternative effective BPD therapy modalities include mentalization-based therapy, transference-focused psychotherapy, and good psychiatric management.
BPD and Stigma
BPD is considered one of the most widely stigmatized mental health conditions. Individuals with symptoms of BPD often experience significant interpersonal difficulties involving emotional dysregulation. Unfortunately, these interpersonal interactions often contribute to the widespread stigma surrounding BPD. Rapid changes in emotions, difficulties developing a stable sense of self, and impulsive or self-destructive behaviours are commonly mislabeled as “manipulation” or “attention-seeking”. This minimises the underlying distress and the individuals genuine need for understanding, empathy and support.
People with BPD may also experience gaps in memory associated with dissociation which can translate to feelings of being gaslit. Research has highlighted concerns that people with BPD may have their experiences dismissed or viewed as less credible. The stigma experienced by individuals with BPD often creates a further barrier to support seeking. Challenging these common misconceptions is an important part of reducing stigma and promoting more compassionate, respectful approaches to supporting people with BPD.
How can I support someone with BPD?
The best way to support someone with BPD is through psychoeducation as well as patience, and connection.
Some ways you can support are:
Feel free to reach out to our team if you are experiencing symptoms of BPD, have a diagnosis of BPD, or are supporting someone with BPD.
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