Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Explains borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.

View this information as a PDF (new window)

Useful contacts

Mind's services

Helplines – our Infolines provide information and support by phone, email and text.
Local Minds – provide face-to-face services across England and Wales. These might be talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
Side by Side – our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

Borderline Arts

borderlinearts.org
Uses the arts to raise awareness of borderline personality disorder and reduce stigma.

The Consortium for Therapeutic Communities

therapeuticcommunities.org
Online directory of therapeutic communities across the UK.

FRANK

0300 123 6600
talktofrank.com
Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.

Harmless

harmless.org.uk
User-led organisation that supports people who self-harm, and their friends and family.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

0808 801 0331
napac.org.uk
A charity supporting adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Provides a support line and local support services.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

NHS UK

nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.

Personality Disorder

personalitydisorder.org.uk
Website commissioned by the UK department of health. Includes information and details of local services in England.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
[email protected]
Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).