Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month is recognized globally to shine a light on this frequently misunderstood condition. The month of May is specifically designated to increase public knowledge, encourage open dialogue, and reduce the prejudice and misrepresentation often faced by those who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This annual observance provides a formal platform for individuals, families, and mental health professionals to share accurate information about the disorder’s complexities and the effectiveness of current treatments. The collective effort focuses on promoting empathy and highlighting that recovery and a meaningful life are possible for people diagnosed with BPD.
The Designated Awareness Month
The designation of May as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month was officially established in 2008 by the U.S. House of Representatives through House Resolution 1005. This formal recognition received overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 414-0. The resolution was largely the result of extensive advocacy work by organizations like the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD). NEABPD spearheaded a campaign that included Congressional Hearings in 2007 to educate legislators directly about the disorder and its impact. This effort successfully secured a month-long period dedicated to raising public awareness and bringing attention to the need for better resources and research.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. It is one of ten personality disorders identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). The lifetime prevalence of BPD in the United States is approximately 1.4% to 2.7% of the adult population.
The core features of BPD center on emotional dysregulation, where an individual experiences intense mood fluctuations that shift rapidly and can last for hours or days. This instability manifests as intense bouts of anxiety, irritability, or sadness that are disproportionate to external circumstances. Relationships are typically intense and turbulent, often marked by “splitting,” which alternates between idealizing a person and quickly devaluing them.
The disorder also involves a persistently unstable sense of self or identity, leading to frequent changes in life goals and values. People with BPD frequently exhibit impulsivity in at least two potentially self-damaging areas, such as substance misuse or overspending. A deep fear of abandonment, whether real or imagined, drives many intense emotional reactions and efforts to prevent a loved one from leaving.
Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating behaviors are common features associated with BPD. Despite these challenges, BPD is treatable using specialized psychotherapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Treatment aims to equip people with skills to improve interpersonal relationships, tolerate distress, and regulate emotions, leading to a significant reduction in symptoms.
Ways to Support Awareness Efforts
Supporting Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month involves specific, practical actions that contribute to tangible change. One effective way is to actively share accurate, vetted educational materials from reputable mental health organizations. This counters widespread misinformation and stereotypes, replacing them with a nuanced understanding of BPD as a legitimate and treatable mental illness.
Advocacy and Funding
Readers can participate in advocacy by writing to policymakers to encourage increased funding for BPD research and improved access to specialized treatments. Non-profit organizations focused on BPD advocacy often offer template letters and campaigns for grassroots activism. Supporting research organizations through donations helps advance the understanding of the disorder’s underlying biology and improve therapeutic interventions.
Fostering Dialogue and Support
Fostering compassionate dialogue is a direct way to support awareness in daily life. This involves listening without judgment and validating the experiences of individuals who share their struggles with BPD. When engaging in conversations, focus on the person’s strengths and the attainability of recovery, rather than solely on the symptoms.
Individuals can also encourage professional help for those who may be struggling, including family members who benefit from specialized support programs. Learning effective support strategies, such as setting healthy boundaries and being consistent, improves the support network around a person with BPD.