BPD Awareness Week
Raising understanding about a mental health condition, fostering empathy for those navigating the complexities of BPD.
Borderline Personality Disorder, also known as BPD, is a mental illness that impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions. As the most commonly recognized personality disorder, BPD can affect how a person feels about themselves, may cause impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, and can negatively impact their relationships with others.
BPD Awareness Week, celebrated predominantly in Australia, is here to show support for and raise awareness about the issues surrounding BPD, encouraging more people to be knowledgeable and helpful.
History of BPD Awareness Week
In 2014, a number of delegates in Australia, made up of consumers, clinicians and carers, met with their senator to discuss the desire to formalize the first week of October as BPD Awareness Week within the Australian Senate. The purpose behind founding the event acknowledges and advocates for those who are affected by BPD, offering recognition, reflection and support.
One hope is that BPD Awareness Week will help to inform the public, reducing incidences of discrimination and prejudices associated with mental illness, and bringing hope to those who are impacted. This event is not only meant to raise awareness for those who have BPD, but also those who work in fields where BPD is common, including counselors, care givers, doctors, family members and more.
Each year, the organizers behind BPD Awareness Week offer a theme that helps to target the focus for the annual celebration. Themes for past events have included:
- Be the Difference: Principles of Care (2023)
- BPD: See the Person (2022)
- Discover Creative Well Being (2021)
- Flipping the Script: Changing the Narrative on BPD (2020)
How to Observe BPD Awareness Week
Getting involved with BPD Awareness Week offers a variety of opportunities to learn, grow and connect around this topic of mental illness. Consider some of these activities and ideas for observing this event, including:
Recognize Signs of BPD
Friends, family members, coworkers and others in the community may benefit from learning more about this mental illness through BPD Awareness Week. Of course, someone who may have BPD should be referred to a health care professional for in-depth diagnosis and care. But having a better awareness of the situation can help build a support network of caring people.
Consider some of these signs that may indicate a person has BPD:
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Emotional instability or dysregulation
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Impulsive behavior which may include extreme risk-taking
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Cognitive or perceptual distortions, including disturbed patterns of thinking or behavior
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Unstable relationships that are often intense and emotionally charged
Join a BPD Awareness Event
Get involved with BPD Awareness Week by attending activities that are connected with borderline personality disorder. From educational events like lectures and seminars to fun-raising events, this is a great time to get connected with others to build relationships, awareness and increased support.
Consider some of these other events with similar themes, including Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day celebrated in October, or Children’s Mental Health Week in February.
