"BPD isn't real"
BPD is a mental illness that often stems from painful experiences and trauma. BPD can be seen at a physical level, with scientific evidence showing that the BPD brain differs from that of healthy people. Whilst the centre for emotions is overactive, areas involved in emotion regulation are activated less.
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Diagnoses are a very personal matter and some people find labels more useful than others. However, many of us identify with the BPD diagnosis and it can help us connect with others experiencing similar problems. Saying that BPD does not exist can feel like trying to erase our identity and struggles.
"People with BPD are dramatic & manipulative"
Our emotions are very intense and situations that may seem trivial to others can cause us a lot of distress. When we are in crisis, our survival mode kicks in and we try to escape the acute pain that we feel. Although our actions may be perceived as manipulative or dramatic, this does not reflect our intention and usually we want to be anything but.
"BPD is a life sentence"
With the right support and treatment, we can recover. A study found that after 16 years, 78% achieved an at least 8-year remission and relapses became less severe over time. Other studies suggest similar rates. Although treatment often is an important component of recovery, BPD symptoms also tend to lessen with age.
"People with BPD are all the same"
BPD is an umbrella diagnosis and everyone experiences it differently. Going by the DSM-5, someone with BPD only needs to experience 5 out of 9 symptoms. This translates to 256 different variations. Although initial research suggested that most BPD sufferers were women, more recent research shows that men were often under-diagnosed and that numbers may be more equal than assumed.
