Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how people feel, think and relate to others. It can involve intense emotions, unstable relationships, a fear of being left, impulsive actions and a weak sense of identity. Around 1 to 2% of people live with BPD.
But the way BPD is shown in films, TV shows and news is often inaccurate or over the top. These false ideas can increase stigma, confuse the public and make life harder for people who live with BPD. Let’s explore the gap between what the media shows and what the condition is really like.
Table of Contents:
Stereotypes in the media
In popular stories, people with BPD are often shown as loud, dramatic, dangerous or controlling. Their romantic relationships are messy and full of conflict. Films like Fatal Attraction, Single White Female and Girl, Interrupted have characters with clear signs of BPD, even if they are not named as such.
These characters are usually women, which feeds the idea that BPD mostly affects women. While women are diagnosed more often, this may be due to bias. Men with BPD are often misdiagnosed with other conditions, like antisocial personality disorder. This creates an unbalanced view of who has BPD.
The media myths of BPD
One harmful idea often seen in media is that people with BPD are unsafe or violent. Some characters stalk others, lash out or act in extreme ways. These behaviours are more linked to other conditions, not BPD.
In real life, most people with BPD are not violent. They may act impulsively or feel emotions very strongly, especially when they fear being rejected. This behaviour is often based on emotional pain, not a wish to hurt others. Media stories that focus only on danger make it harder for people to get help.
What does BPD really look like?
Doctors will look a range of symptoms to diagnose whether you have BPD, including:
- Fear of being abandoned
- Intense or unstable relationships
- Poor or changing sense of self
- Impulsive behaviour (like risky sex, overspending or drug use)
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings or strong emotions
- Feeling empty inside
- Trouble controlling anger
- Short periods of paranoia or feeling detached when under stress
Not everyone with BPD will have all of these signs, and they can change over time. With the right therapy — like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — many people with BPD improve and lead stable, fulfilling lives.
How the media affects real people with BPD
The media can shape how we think about mental health. When BPD is shown as dangerous or dramatic, it adds to the stigma. People with BPD may face judgement from healthcare workers, bosses or even their own families.
There’s also a common myth that people with BPD are manipulative. But in reality, many are just deeply afraid of being left behind. Their behaviour may come from fear or pain, not selfishness. These false ideas can stop people from asking for help or sticking with treatment.
A shift towards better representation
Thankfully, some newer TV shows are doing a better job. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend shows the main character, Rebecca, being diagnosed with BPD. The show follows her therapy journey and shows her as a full person — not just her diagnosis.
BoJack Horseman also explores emotional struggles linked to BPD. It looks at trauma, loneliness and personal growth in a way that feels more real. These kinds of stories help break down stigma and show that recovery is possible.
Why an accurate portrayal of BPD matters
Writers and producers have the power to change how we see mental health. UK charities like Mind and Time to Change encourage creators to work with experts and avoid harmful stereotypes.
When stories are told with care and accuracy, they help people learn and connect. They give people with BPD a voice and help others understand what they’re going through.
Final thoughts: BPD in the media
BPD is often shown in media as something scary or extreme. But that’s not the full picture. People with BPD are not villains — they are often people in pain who need understanding and support.
With the right help, many people with BPD recover and thrive. The media is starting to tell better stories, but there’s still a long way to go. Honest representation can change lives — and that’s a story worth telling.
Image copyright of The CW Network. This image is used under fair use for commentary and educational purposes. All rights belong to the original copyright holders.
