The choice to disclose your BPD diagnosis depends on a few different variables, including your own need for privacy and comfort with disclosure, your relationship with the other person, and the context of your relationship.


How long have you known them?
Are they one of the people you would consider yourself to be very close to?
Are they a more distant friend or relative?
Do they need to know about your BPD because they are affected by the symptoms and need an explanation?
Are you motivated to tell them simply because you feel the need to share and get support?



The Person Themselves -
How much does the person you want to tell understand and empathize with those people with mental health disorders? Do they stigmatize others?
Are they naïve about these issues?
Do they know others with these disorders and not treat them differently?
Are they a supportive type?
Are they understanding?
Are they looking for anything to use against you?
What do you think their response would be? -  It could be quite different from what you imagined.















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There is no definitive way to know whether disclosing your diagnosis is a good or bad decision, but if you consider all of the factors above, you may find yourself closer to an answer. The most important thing is that you take the time to think it through and make an intentional decision about whether or not to tell (rather than making a decision in the moment that you may regret later). Take it on a case-by-case basis whenever possible.



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It is important to remember that there is considerable (undeserved) stigma about the BPD diagnosis. So, if you do decide to tell someone that you have BPD, it may make sense to also provide them with some information about the diagnosis, the symptoms, and the prognosis.