SPRINGFIELD – To reduce the stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder and bring awareness to the condition, State Senator Laura Fine led a resolution to designate May as Borderline Personality Disorder Month in Illinois.

“Borderline personality disorder affects an individual mentally, emotionally and socially, which is why it is important that we understand the impact of this mental illness to help those with BPD,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Mental illness can not only limit a person’s physical well-being, but it also can deter them from seeking help if people don’t understand how it affects them.”

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that can impact a person’s ability to manage their emotional state. Loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect self-esteem and negatively impact interpersonal relationships.

Senate Resolution 811 establishes May 2024 as Borderline Disorder Month. This resolution aims to improve understanding of borderline personality disorder and how to support those with this mental illness.

“Borderline personality disorder is among the most stigmatized and least understood mental illnesses, with serious implications to the person, family and society when left untreated. We are grateful to State Senator Laura Fine, for her leadership of Senate Resolution 811, to declare May as BPD Month in Illinois. Recovery begins with education, and Illinois is paving a path for other states to bring more awareness to BPD.”  - Paula Tusiani-Eng, LMSW, Executive Director, Emotions Matter Inc.

"Borderline personality disorder profoundly affects individuals and their families. By establishing May as Borderline Personality Disorder Month, Illinois is championing a much-needed cause that prioritizes education and awareness. There are effective, evidence-based therapies that can pave the way toward recovery, and awareness is the first step in improving access to these treatments for the more than 250,000 residents of Illinois who live with BPD. This initiative, led by Senator Laura Fine, is a beacon of hope for countless individuals, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in the journey toward recovery. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Fine for her unwavering dedication to this critical issue." – Julie Frantsve-Hawley, PhD, Advocacy Committee member, the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Senate Resolution 811 was adopted by the Senate.