Hello, there has always been a large number of comments in this sub about BPD, or Borderline Personality Disorder. Some comments are supportive, while many others are generalizing, derogatory, and stigmatizing. Moreover, after a recent post stating that individuals with personality disorders should be incarcerated or put down, it's far past time for a mod post on this subject.

BPD is an emotion dysregulation disorder that is commonly associated with unstable self-image and relationships. It is a mental illness that is often described by affected individuals as debilitating and extremely emotionally painful.

The majority of reported cases of BPD occur in women. While research on the causes and contributing factors to BPD is still mixed, some evidence suggests that experiences of abuse, trauma, neglect, and abandonment can be involved in the development of the disorder.

An increasing number of comments in this sub have involved "diagnosing" abusers described in posts with BPD, despite commenters lacking the clinical expertise to make such diagnoses. Many of these comments make inaccurate assumptions about BPD in such a manner that contributes to stigma against the disorder, and perpetuate the notion that all individuals with BPD are abusive. This is unequivocally false.

There are a large number of abuse survivors in this sub who have actually been diagnosed with BPD by experts. Comments that diagnose abusers with BPD or equate BPD to abuse perpetration do a disservice to every abuse survivor in this sub who has the disorder.

This is not a sub in which it is ever appropriate to encourage, condone, or contribute to any stigmatization against mental illnesses.

Understandably, BPD is a complex and often understudied disorder. It is also understandable that some individuals have experienced trauma while happening to be in a relationship with someone with BPD. That being said, this sub will not be a place that allows the generalization of all individuals with BPD.

Please be mindful of your comments moving forward. Please do not diagnose anyone with BPD. If you suspect that a commenter's partner has a mental illness, that is the area of expertise for a trained clinician. Remember who is present in our sub and remember that many abuse survivors have mental illnesses, and all of us are harmed if we reach a place where we equate mental illness to abuse.

Please take care of yourselves and each other.