What is BPD?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively. The disorder occurs in the context of relationships: sometimes all relationships are affected, sometimes only one.

While some persons with BPD are high functioning in certain settings, their private lives may be in turmoil. Other disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse and other personality disorders. can often exist along with BPD

The diagnosis of BPD is frequently missed and a misdiagnosis of the BPD diagnosis has been shown to delay and/or prevent recovery. Bipolar disorder is one example of a misdiagnosis as it also includes mood instability.

Officially recognized in 1980 by the psychiatric community, BPD is more than two decades behind in research, treatment options, and family psycho-education compared to other major psychiatric disorders. BPD has historically met with widespread misunderstanding and blatant stigma. However, evidenced-based treatments have emerged over the past two decades bringing hope to those diagnosed with the disorder and their loved ones.

Our Mission


NEPDA's mission is to promote education, support and advocacy in the field of personality disorders, with a concentration on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). NEPDA sponsors workshops, conferences and small-group meetings for family members, friends and other loved ones, consumers of mental health services, professionals and the community at large in order to improve awareness of personality disorders and reduce the stigma which is often associated with them.

NEPDA partners with other groups and organizations, including McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, in disseminating educational materials and providing basic information and personal support to those who may be confronting one or more of these disorders for the first time. Consisting entirely of volunteers, NEPDA is a 501(c)(3) entity which receives tax-deductible dues and contributions from its supporters.


Latest News

Home Meeting

Our next virtual home meeting via Zoom will be Monday, April 24, 2023.  The topic is "Exploring Resources to Support People with Lived Experiences on the BPD Recovery Journey" with Paula Tusiani-Eng, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emotions Matters.  Sign up is via Eventbrite.   If you are already on our mailing list you will receive an email link.  

 

NEPDA Upcomiing Home Meetings:

Monday, May 22, 2023 the presenter will be Angela Hakkila, MSW on Co-Occurring Diagnoses. 

Emotions Matters has two upcoming events:  

Saturday, May 13, 2023 Virtual Conference BPD Festival 2023 Breaking Boundaries

Sunday, June 4, 2022 Walk for Borderline Personality Disorder,  Hudson River Park, NYC

 

If would like to be on our mailing list and /or receive the Eventbrite sign up link,  please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the NEPDA phone line 617-855-2680. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you.  

NEPDA's mailing address is: 115 Mill Street, MS303, Belmont, MA 02478