DISCLAIMER: This article cannot self-diagnose or represent all experiences of Borderline Personality Disorder (or BPD). Seek guidance from a mental health professional for more information. Please be advised that this article mentions self-harm and suicide.
Borderline Personality Disorder is not a well-known mental health challenge. It seems like discussions around mental health are always focused on anxiety or depression. So when I was diagnosed with BPD last year, I was ashamed and embarrassed that no one could understand my experience. When a psychiatrist evaluated me and told me, “you have Borderline Personality Disorder,” my first response was denial. I thought there was no way he could be right- I couldn’t have BPD! But then I read the symptoms.
As it turns out, I could relate strongly to Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms. For example, chronic feelings of emptiness, emotional instability, and impulsivity are just a few. Here are a few of the challenges I’ve experienced because of BPD symptoms.