Identifying with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Through Social Media

In recent years, more people have been using social media to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness.  TikTok has been one of the biggest platforms where creators have been sharing their experiences living with mental health struggles or illness, which has led to self-diagnosing in some cases. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one condition that has gained further recognition due to many individuals living with the disorder speaking out. 

The beauty of this is that it helps to fight the stigma surrounding BPD by demonstrating what the disorder looks like beyond stereotypes.  It also helps individuals identify with symptoms or experiences content creators are sharing, when they might not have access to other information or see their experiences reflected. 

I have worked with quite a few people who discussed seeing TikToks by individuals with BPD and related to them on a deep level. This made them question if they might have the disorder. 

Talking to professionals about seeing TikToks or other social media about BPD, and how you think you might have the disorder, can be a difficult task.  It always comes back to the stigma that BPD carries.   

To put it in other terms, I have experienced health professionals throughout my life who did not react well to me bringing up how I looked up my symptoms online to determine probable causes.  In a way, since social media is becoming a method to look up symptoms and identify with possible disorders or illnesses, not all healthcare professionals will be receptive. 

Discussing the social media content you saw about BPD, and the possibility of identifying with the disorder or its symptoms, can be delicate territory with mental health professionals.

But there are a few options you have:

• The first, and most important thing to remember is: do not approach a mental health professional by saying that you have self-diagnosed yourself with BPD after seeing social media content. 

  I have seen this happen in quite a few cases, and more often than not, professionals will terminate the discussion or redirect. 

  I have seen other cases where individuals were not taken seriously, talked down to, and were left with a lasting, harmful experience.   

  • When speaking with a mental health professional, you can bring up social media content you saw without immediately stating that it was about BPD. 

    Due to the stigma surrounding the disorder, it is most effective to zero in on the symptoms you related to in the content you saw, and that you would like to explore them further. 

• If you already have a trusted therapist or other mental health professional you are receive care from, you might be able to bring up the social media content that you saw and ask about the possibility of having BPD.

  Again, focus in on the symptoms you saw and related to in the content. Describe the different symptoms you identified with and utilize “I” statements to focus in on your experience.

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  Example: “I saw a video where someone was explaining their experience with a fear of abandonment and rejection, which I resonated with.”

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  It is not always easy to determine if a professional holds stigma or other feelings towards BPD and those living with the disorder.  It is also important to note that since BPD and complex post-traumatic disorder (C-PTSD) share a lot of similar symptoms, your provider might be able to help break down your symptoms before making a diagnosis. 

• Share how the content you saw made you feel:

  • Did you feel seen? 

  • What experiences portrayed or content provided resonated with you? 

    If possible, it may be helpful to share this content with a trusted provider.  You can also provide examples of the symptoms you saw portrayed, while sharing personal experiences of your own symptoms that you might have seen mirrored. 

    • It is also important to make a note that you would like help with the symptoms you related to.  Most often, providers are receptive to clients who identify with symptoms or an illness/disorder who want help addressing and working through those symptoms. 

• If you do not have a provider, but after seeing content on BPD are now thinking that you might have the diagnosis, it is important to locate a professional. Official diagnosis can help you seek treatment that is most effective for BPD and improve your symptoms - such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

  • When seeking professionals, look for therapists who utilize dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This can often be a safe sign that they are open about BPD since DBT was created by Marsha Linehan specifically for this condition.

    • If you do not have many mental health resources available in your area, and you are unable to locate a professional who can provide compassionate care or takes your insurance/has pay scale rates – there are other options. 

      The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) has many resources for finding care, pursuing a diagnosis, as well as providing research and further education.

While social media can be harmful for our mental health, it can also be helpful in allowing us to be seen and feel less alone. Especially for those of us living with BPD or its symptoms, because isolation and loneliness are common factors.  

My hope for you is that if you have felt seen with content by creators who have BPD, or creators who are knowledgeable about the disorder, that you know you are not alone. 

If you resonate with any of the symptoms or experiences you came across, I want you to know that while BPD carries a lot of stigma, there are so many of us fighting and advocating to help you find answers, receive help, and navigate life with this complex disorder. 

Seeing any of your experiences mirrored in social media can be validating – but I know that it can also be scary. I hope that my recommendations will help you to explore the diagnostic process, or - in the very least - help you understand yourself further.