The Stigma of BPD

There is no one alive on this earth that hasn't struggled with something, nor is there any one that doesn't need a hero. If you named just about any illness -- mental or otherwise -- there are documented stories, volumes, made-for-TV movies that tell the tale of those who faced their adversities and overcame them. Whether it is cancer or alcoholism, diabetes or bulimia, there is always someone -- and more often than not, someone famous -- that a person can look to for inspiration. Unfortunately, such isn't the case with BPD. I find it hard to believe that of the 6 million BPD's in this nation alone, there are no beloved celebrities, few heroes of which the public is aware. It's a lot easier to believe that there are few who will admit to having suffered BPD. Stigma plays a role here. In today's heightened awareness and acceptance of mental illness, I have felt quite open to tell people that I have suffered from depression, from drug abuse (years ago) and from anorexia. I've been loathe to share the fact that I have suffered from borderline personality disorder -- both because of the number of people who do not know what it is and, perhaps even more, because of the people who *do* know what it is.