Resources for loved ones supporting a person with BPD

In Canada and the USA

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

My book came out almost two months ago. Since then, I’ve spoken to many people about borderline personality disorder (BPD). One question I hear again and again is some variation of, “What resources are available to help me better support my loved one with BPD?”

I’ve compiled a list of accessible and low-barrier options below, with a focus on Canada and the United States.

Canada

• The Sashbear Foundation

  The Sashbear Foundation is an Ontario-based charity that provides resources to family members with loved ones who experience emotional dysregulation, suicidality, and other related mental health challenges. Among the foundation’s offerings is the Family Connections program, which provides skills and hope for people supporting family or friends with BPD.

• The Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC

  Founded by people with lived experience, the BPD Society of BC seeks to fill gaps in services for people living with BPD and their loved ones. The foundation offers virtual and in-person peer support groups, awareness presentations, advocacy, and DBT skills groups.

• Borderline Personality Disorder Association of Manitoba Inc.

  BPD AMI is a new organization that supports people with BPD and their loved ones in Manitoba through educational resources, peer support groups, virtual and in-person seminars, and harm reduction and crisis strategies.

• Ottawa Network for Borderline Personality Disorder

  The Ottawa Network for BPD aims to educate and support relatives of people with BPD and help family members develop coping skills. The network hosts educational events about BPD and offers a fulsome 12-week Family Connections program.

• AMI-Quebec Allies in Mental Health

  AMI Quebec supports education about mental illness broadly, but also offers services for families caring for loved ones with BPD, including workshops, counselling, and support groups.

USA

• National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

  NEABPD is a national organization that educates, raises public awareness, and promotes quality of life for people affected by borderline personality disorder. The alliance offers two Family Connections programs, hosts numerous events, and a wealth of information for loved ones looking for resources.

• Emotions Matter

  Emotions Matter is a support network created by loved ones and people with BPD to provide programs, education, and support for people affected by the disorder. The network offers online peer support groups, including a group for people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

• Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research

  This grassroots initiative includes family members, friends, and loved ones of people with BPD who are committed to promoting and supporting BPD research. They host monthly webinars that feature the latest research about mental illness, including BPD.

• New England Personality Disorder Association

  Started by a group of parents whose children were diagnosed with BPD, NEPDA supports loved ones with personality disorders. They offer virtual events and resources for loved ones supporting people with BPD.

Have I missed a resource? Let me know in the comment section.