Can we normalize discussing and learning about #borderline personality disorder ( #BPD)? BPD affects ~6% of all people in the US in their life (more than bipolar disorder and schizophrenia combined). Even so, I only really learned about it at age 34. 1/10

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, but I think it is very important for lay people like me to educate themselves about common mental illnesses. I am taking most of the information in this thread from this excellent introductory book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-hate-you-dont-leave-me-jerold-jay-kreisman/1101075532 2/10

There is a good chance that either you, or one of your relatives, friends, or colleagues suffers or has suffered from BPD. Many people with BPD can function well in highly structured jobs, and are attracted to helping professions such as medicine and nursing. 3/10

At the same time, people with BPD exhibit symptoms that can cause severe problems for themselves and the people around them, including rapid mood swings, lack of a stable sense of identity, fear of abandonment, and having unstable interpersonal relationships. 4/10

While the cause of BPD is not known, a large proportion of people suffering from BPD have experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse (physical/sexual/verbal) and neglect. 5/10

It can be very difficult to be the partner, friend, relative, or colleague of someone with BPD, and to cope with that person’s destructive behaviors and mood swings, especially without an understanding of BPD and knowledge of appropriate communication strategies. 6/10

The good news is that BPD is treatable, and the long-term prognosis for people suffering from BPD is excellent. However, people are sometimes not diagnosed correctly, because some of the symptoms overlap with other mental illnesses. 7/10

To learn more about borderline personality disorder, I highly recommend the aforementioned book, or medical websites such as the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237 8/10

People like @arinbrayart who publicly discuss their #BPD diagnosis are incredibly brave and have to fight against the stigma associated with this disease. We can support them by educating ourselves about BPD instead of perpetrating the stigma! https://twitter.com/arinbrayart/status/1276685384265666560 9/10

Lastly, if you have fantasies or mental images about hurting yourself or have other suicidal thoughts, get immediate help. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255). More information here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048 10/10