I do not have BPD, but I do have a family member who causes me MISERY...she does truly terrible stuff. Today, I went to a therapist for the first time (first time seeing him, not in therapy ever). We were talking about how my life would be a lot less stressful and depressing if it weren't for the family member, and he said he's almost 100% certain she has BPD. He tried to be very professional and clinical in the way he spoke about it, but honestly, it's hard not to have undertone of "Man, those people are wicked human beings" when talking about someone like her who does hurt people in her life and in very dehumanizing ways. So from my standpoint, I understand why the stigma exists and am not sure it can ever go away unless they come up with two separate diagnoses for those who manipulate and harm others vs. those who don't. But it does suck for those who aren't the types to very badly hurt people.

I know a mental illness is a mental illness, but at the same time, I have a mental illness caused by dealing with someone with this particular mental illness. So it's a tough thing.