It can be challenging and often frustrating to live with someone who has BPD. By better understanding the disorder, it can become easier to offer your loved one emotional support, patience, and encouragement.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Help facilitate an evaluation for your loved one by a mental health professional.
- Encourage your loved one to continue treatment or contact the therapist or doctor regarding other treatments, if symptoms do not appear to improve after an appropriate period.
- Offer your support. Change can be difficult and frightening to people with BPD, but it is possible for them to get better over time.
- Learn about personality disorders, including BPD, so you can better understand what your loved one is experiencing.
NEVER ignore a person’s comments suggesting the intent or plan to harm themselves or someone else. Report such comments to the person’s therapist or doctor. In urgent or potentially life-threatening situations, Call 911 or Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Resources for Families
Family Connections and TeleConnections
Treatment and Research Advancements (TARA)