Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

What are the biggest similarities and differences between bipolar and BPD?

While Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder may have some symptoms that look similar, what's most important to know and understand is that it is the role of a doctor or mental health professional to collect information about symptoms and to make the correct diagnosis. 

Dublin Scioto High School's student support specialist, Ms. Henn mentions, “A healthcare provider is trained to do a thorough assessment and through that process, come to an accurate diagnosis. This often happens over multiple sessions.” Experiencing some symptoms of a mental health diagnosis does not mean that you have that diagnosis.

What does treatment look like for these disorders? How difficult is it to get treatment? 

Receiving treatment can be a difficult thing for someone to receive when it is needed. In general, treatment may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Individuals can work together with their treatment team to come up with a treatment plan. 

Ms. Henn adds, “While there can be barriers to getting treatment like health insurance or transportation, there are typically options out there. It is best to work with a doctor or mental health professional to get referrals to providers that may be able to help. If someone is having difficulty getting treatment, a mental health professional can be really helpful in navigating the system and finding options for treatment.” 

Who should be more aware of this? 

Mental health is important for everyone to be aware of. Mental health doesn't just affect the life of the person who has the disorder, but also the people they are around. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If someone is experiencing mental health concerns that are distressing and have lasted more than 2 weeks, they should talk with a trusted adult, doctor, or mental health professional.

Mental health awareness is super important to pay attention to before it gets worse. Spreading awareness can help people get the treatment and diagnoses they need or they can find someone professional to talk to. Volunteering at local mental health awareness programs, educating yourself on mental health, and being someone who listens and supports a family or friend through this is always a good thing.

Since these disorders are so similar, how important do you think it is to properly diagnose a patient with the correct disorder?

Getting properly diagnosed is a huge thing some health providers will miss since the disorders are so similar in symptoms. 

Ms. Henn states, “A doctor or mental health professional is trained to do a thorough assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Taking the time to get an accurate diagnosis is incredibly important, as it will help to determine the appropriate treatment.” 

Where can people get help if they are struggling?

Dealing with a disorder isn't easy for everyone and is a struggle to manage. If someone is experiencing mental health concerns, they can talk to a trusted adult, doctor, or mental health professional. Ms. Henn mentions, “Here at Scioto, a Hope Squad member can help students connect with a trusted adult if they don't know who to talk to at school”. 

Mental health is something that a person should not have to experience alone. Family and friends can help them and support them through their recovery by providing distractions, learning about the disorder, educating themselves, helping them seek treatment, and supporting them through it. Letting someone with bipolar disorder or BPD know that you hear what they are saying when they come to you to talk and validate them can help a lot with their healing journey.

In a medical emergency, someone should dial 911 immediately.