There is a legacy of confusion and controversy around diagnosis, language, what it means and how it impacts on individuals. The complexity of understanding a personality disorder can lead to misunderstanding this range of mental health conditions. Yet it is estimated that 10-13% of the population will experience symptoms or behaviours related to the various formally diagnosed conditions.

Now a team of people who have mental health and social difficulties commonly associated with the diagnosis of 'personality disorder’, supported by Healthy London Partnership, is launching a campaign to raise awareness of a condition which can result in rejection, distress, and stigma, rather than support.

The campaign centres on a series of podcasts, devised, produced and led by those with lived experience of personality disorder, to increase awareness and understanding of the conditions, and raise hope regarding support and treatment options.

As one of the participants in the podcasts says: “People can be blamed by their friends, family or society for the behaviour that can result from this disorder...This feeling of being misunderstood can result in disconnection from others.”

Personality disorders can be difficult to diagnose, and in the past there has been controversy as to how much treatment can help. But recently, research has made it clear that mental health services can and should help people experiencing symptoms and behaviours associated with personality disorders.

Diagnosis can help make sense of the condition – both for the person and for their family and friends. But for others it may result in feeling marginalised by healthcare services, family and community. There is a need for more training, better access to information and, for some, a mindset change when it comes to improving the experiences of people seeking support..

Listen to the podcast, and find out more about personality disorders here