BPD is a personality disorder characterised by an unstable self-image, inability to regulate emotions and perceive others as more than just good or evil (“black-and-white thinking”), and impulsivity. It’s almost like bipolar II disorder (BD-II) on steroids, with hypomanic and depressive phases condensed into a span of hours or even minutes*. It is, unfortunately, also one of the most badly stigmatised mental illnesses. Not many people are informed of the nature and gravity of mental illness, let alone that of BPD. But those who know a bit about BPD either heard about it from movie stereotypes as in Girl, Interrupted or Fatal Attraction (neither of which is a feel-good movie, to say the least) or from the stigma against this particular disorder, which is rife even amongst the mental health community.
I know most people aren’t aware of mental illnesses and have unfavourable prejudice against them. But little by little we’re making progress in various aspects. Awareness of more well-known illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is spreading. Famous people who came out about their struggles, like Carrie Fisher and her self-deprecating frankness about her bipolar disorder and alcoholism, have also helped paint a more humane image of such illnesses. Nevertheless, the awareness and stigma against personality disorders (PDs) have yet to improve.