Stigma and Discrimination

There is more than one way to explain stigma and discrimination in the world of BPD.

A simple explanation can be:

1. When the person with BPD is viewed as the problem - for example, when the person is viewed through judgemental eyes as being less worthy.

2. When the illness is the problem – for example, when outdated or unhelpful views of the diagnosis and treatment are held.

3. When we consider the wider ramifications – for example where the stigma and discrimination is considered appropriate so it then becomes invisible. This leads to wider implications such as less funding, less research etc.

For a more detailed explanation, the BPD Position Paper, “How SAD” explores the most recent research relevant to Australia. (How SAD paper)

A further in depth study of what stigma and discrimination means can be found on the Beyond Blue website, see beyondblue Information Paper: Stigma and discrimination associated with depression and anxiety.

Stigma and discrimination as it effects young people with BPD has been prepared by Orygen: see Research Bulletin Issue 02, Borderline Personality Disorder, Stigma and Young People