Anna Freud Centre supports International Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

18th May 2021  |  By: Tim Linehan

The Anna Freud Centre is supporting International Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month which is taking place this month.

People diagnosed with borderline personality disorder can experience deep distress, often caused by previous trauma. They also often face stigma surrounding a ‘personality disorder’ diagnosis, which can lead to further difficulties in getting the support they need and deserve. The term Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is not one that we like or choose, but it is one that is recognised clinically and internationally.

The stigma that comes with this label can also be very painful. People with BPD commonly report an experience of persistent emotional turmoil. The emotional challenges people experience often start in adolescence and can be long-lasting without early intervention or the right treatment.

Many people with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder don’t get the support they need. We’ve brought together a range of information and resources to raise awareness and call for better understanding and support.

Information:

• British & Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder (BIGSPD)
• Rethink's borderline personality disorder information
• Mind's borderline personality disorder information

Policy documents on personality disorder:

• Royal College of Psychiatrists' Position Statement
• The Consensus Statement for People with Complex Mental Health Difficulties who are diagnosed with a Personality Disorder

Personal stories and podcasts:

• The Listening Project on BBC Radio4 Living on the Outside (a conversation about BPD, starts after 14 minutes)
• “The Wrong Kind of Mad” podcast including episodes with former Health Minster Sir Norman Lamb and Viral Kantaria, Programme Director of Community Mental Health Transformation at East London NHS Transformation Trust
• My battle with Borderline Personality Disorder: Marsha's story
• Making my voice heard as an Expert by Experience