Borderline personality disorder carries a lot of stigma, much of it unfair. At its heart, BPD is about feeling emotions more intensely than most people, and struggling to steady them. That can strain relationships and the sense of who you are. If this is you, please know the outlook is hopeful. BPD responds well to the right therapy.
If things feel overwhelming right now: Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 are there any time. In an emergency, call 000.
People with BPD often describe a fear of being abandoned, relationships that swing between very close and very distant, and emotions that flare fast and hard. There can be impulsive moments and a sense of emptiness. These are symptoms of a treatable condition, not character defects.
Structured approaches like dialectical behaviour therapy were designed for exactly this. They teach skills for riding out intense emotions, staying steady in relationships, and being kinder to yourself. The skills take practice, and they make a real difference over time.
A GP is a good starting point. They can talk through what you are experiencing and write a Mental Health Treatment Plan for rebated psychology sessions. Reaching out takes courage, and it is the start of things getting better.
Yes, very. With the right therapy, many people see their symptoms ease significantly and go on to live full lives.
Structured approaches such as dialectical behaviour therapy and schema therapy have strong evidence for BPD.
No. The outlook is hopeful, and many people no longer meet the criteria after good treatment.
Yes. The psychology work can be delivered effectively by video.
Important: This is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. BPD is best supported by a registered practitioner. In a crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.
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