Do You Have a Loved One Who’s Impulsive, Unstable, and Anxious?

If you've answered Yes to my headline, your loved one may have Borderline Personality Disorder.

I realize I'm a broken record when it comes to writing about Borderline Personality Disorder, but my fundamental reason for doing so is to spread the word about this dreadful mental disorder, which is why I wanted to give you the heads-up about the first documentary/film that captures the lived experience of BPD.

It's titled Borderline, and it's being shown at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, Nov., 15 at 7 PM. The documentary will be followed by a post-film discussion and Q&A featuring the film director, Rebbie Ratner, Borderline main character, Regina V., and Dr. Aaron Krasner from Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan. The following video is the Borderline trailer.

As you may know, our son, Ethan James, was diagnosed with BPD in his late teens, so Mindy and I have lived it over the last 16 years. He was a drug addict, he's attempted suicide, he's been in jail, he's been admitted to hospital psychiatric units, and he's been homeless. He finally accepted the diagnosis around the age of 25, but it would take him another 6 years before he decided to seek treatment. I recently asked him what it was like having Borderline Personality Disorder and this is what he told me,

BPD is a sickness that left untreated causes you to think and feel things you don't want to be thinking and feeling. It causes you to repeatedly destroy relationships, and makes you, yourself, your own worst enemy.

When I asked him what has helped him the most with managing his BPD, he told me it was therapy, medication, and the willingness to change and stick with it.

This film is about understanding Borderline Personalty Disorder. The symptoms include:

• Inappropriate or extreme emotional reactions
• Highly impulsive behaviorsHistory of unstable relationships
• Intense mood swings
• Dysfunctional self image
• Feelings of isolation
• Fear of abandonment and rejection
• Debilitating anxiety
• Risky behaviors like drug abuse or eating disorders
• Unstable career plans, goals, or aspirations

There is help and support for BPD sufferers. I recommend you attend the screening of the docu-film Borderline at the RPH on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7:15 pm, and it's FREE.