Borderline personality disorder is getting significant recognition in the 21st century. This is likely due to the increased availability and acceptance of therapy for most individuals and social media exposure. Many celebrities are using their social platforms such as instagram to discuss their own mental health issues and advocate for others. In many of these cases, some popular celebrities have come out about their experiences having borderline personality disorder.
Here is a list of celebrities who have publically discussed their diagnoses and experiences with borderline personality disorder. (We’ll also discuss TV & film characters who possibly had BPD later on in the article. We’ll throw in a music playlist also.)
Celebrities With Borderline Personality Disorder
Pete Davidson
Davidson has been vocal about the importance of therapy in managing his BPD. He encourages others to seek professional help, saying that therapy has helped him to understand his emotions and improve his relationships. Additionally, Davidson has also revealed that he takes medication to help him manage his symptoms.
Marsha Linehan
Dr. Linehan has spoken about her personal experiences with BPD and how it influenced her work in developing Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has been open about her struggles with self-harm, suicidal thoughts and her journey to recovery. Her personal experiences helped her to understand the importance of a holistic approach to treatment and the need for compassion and validation in therapy.
Darrell Hammond
Comedian and actor Darrell Hammond has been open about his struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In his memoir, “God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked,” Hammond describes his experiences growing up with a mother who had abused him and how that affected him. He was later diagnosed with BPD and has been in therapy to manage the symptoms ever since.
Mikey Welsh
Mikey Welsh was an American artist and musician, best known as the bassist for the rock band Weezer from 1998-2001. Welsh passed away in 2011, and it was later reported that he had struggled with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Brandon Marshall
Former NFL wide-receiver, Brandon Marshall received a formal diagnosis of BPD from a professional and has been open about his journey of seeking treatment and recovery. He has been vocal about the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek help if they are struggling with similar symptoms.
Marilyn Monroe
Actress and cultural icon Marilyn Monroe has been posthumously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by some experts. She had many symptoms of BPD including addictive behavior, suicidal thoughts, identity problems and tumultuous relationships.
Amy Winehouse
Like Monroe, singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse is posthumously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by some experts. Her symptoms were consistent with BPD including also suicidal ideation and substance abuse.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997, exhibited similar symptoms of borderline personality disorder and was reported to have been diagnosed in her early 20’s.
It is important to note that this article is not meant to diagnose or label Amy Winehouse, Princess Diana or Marilyn Monroe with Borderline Personality Disorder. The information provided here is based on expert analysis of their behavior and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
TV & Film Characters With BPD
1. Susanna from “Girl, Interrupted”
Susanna, played by Winona Ryder, is a character in the 1999 film “Girl, Interrupted” who is diagnosed to have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She displays symptoms such as fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and intense and unstable relationships. She also has a history of self-harm and suicidal behavior.
2. Tony Soprano from “The Sopranos”
Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, is a character in the HBO series “The Sopranos” who may have BPD. One specific example of this is in the episode “The Blue Comet,” where Tony’s feelings of abandonment and betrayal leads him to take extreme and violent actions against his closest associates.
3. Marnie Michaels from “Girls”
Marnie Michaels, played by Allison Williams, displays symptoms of BPD in the show “Girls”. For example, in Season 3, Episode 5, “Only Child.” In this episode, Marnie’s boyfriend Charlie breaks up with her, causing her to spiral into a fear of abandonment. She becomes impulsive and seeks attention from her ex-boyfriend, Booth Jonathan, even though she knows it is unhealthy for her.
4. Jim Moriarty from “Sherlock”
Jim Moriarty, played by Andrew Scott starring in “Sherlock” who may have BPD. He exhibits symptoms such as impulsivity, intense and unstable relationships, and a lack of empathy. He also has a history of manipulativeness and is prone to making impulsive and dangerous decisions.
5. Meredith Grey from “Grey’s Anatomy”
The character Ellen Pompeo in “Grey’s Anatomy” displays numerous symptoms of BPD. The character’s fear of abandonment is highlighted in several episodes and the constant feeling of being left behind by those who are closest to her.
6. Carrie Mathison from “Homeland”
Claire Danes from “Homeland” exhibits symptoms such as impulsivity, intense and unstable relationships, and a lack of empathy. These issues are further amplified by the emotional turmoil caused by her job as a CIA agent, leading to a sense of emptiness and emotional turmoil.
7. Rebecca Bunch from “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
Main character Rachel Bloom, in the show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” acts impulsively in her decision to move across the country to follow her ex-boyfriend, Josh, and her constant struggles to maintain healthy relationships with others.
8. Will Graham from “Hannibal”
Will Graham in the NBC series “Hannibal” becomes fixated on Hannibal and develops an unhealthy attachment to him, despite the fact that Hannibal is a serial killer. Will’s impulsivity is also on display as he often acts on his emotions and feelings without thinking through the consequences.
9. Richard Harrow from “Boardwalk Empire”
Jack Huston in “Boardwalk Empire” exhibits numerous symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, his past as a soldier and his physical disfigurement have contributed to his struggles with intense emotions, violent outbursts and a lack of empathy towards himself and others.
10. Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho”
Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, is a character in the 2000 film “American Psycho” who may have BPD. This character’s descent into darkness highlights the destructive nature of BPD and the dangerous consequences that can result from the disorder’s untreated symptoms. Note, like many characters on this list; they express some symptoms of BPD but also symptoms of other disorders like Patrick Bateman’s psychopathy.
Songs About Borderline Personality Disorder
1. “Breathe Me” by Sia
“Breathe Me” by Sia is a song that many have interpreted as being about BPD. The lyrics describe feelings of self-doubt, fear, and a sense of being lost and alone. The song is a powerful reminder of the fragility and complexity of the human experience and is a powerful representation of the experiences of those with BPD.
2. “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith
“I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith is a song that deals with the pain of unrequited love and the feeling of being left behind. The lyrics “You say I’m crazy, ’cause you don’t think I know what you’ve done” highlights the intense feelings of rejection, betrayal and abandonment and the sense of being misunderstood
3. “Mad World” by Gary Jules
“Mad World” by Gary Jules is a song that deals with feelings of despair, hopelessness, and isolation, which are common experiences for those with BPD. The song’s haunting melody and lyrics capture the emotional experience of BPD.
4. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is a song that deals with feelings of hopelessness, depression and isolation, The song’s lyrics speak to the idea of not being able to escape one’s own pain, and feeling alone in the midst of suffering.
5. “Just Like Heaven” by Katie Melua
“Just Like Heaven” by Katie Melua is a song that deals with the theme of longing for something that is out of reach, which is a similar to attachment styles in borderline personality disorder. The song creates an emotional experience that can resonate with listeners who may relate to the feelings of wanting something that seems just out of reach.
6. “The Man That Can’t Be Moved” by The Script
“The Man That Can’t Be Moved” by The Script is a song that deals with the theme of unrequited love and the feeling of being left behind, often called limerence. The song’s emotional intensity and vulnerability capture the emotional experience of BPD.
7. “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan is a song that deals with the theme of loss and grief. The feeling of grief is experienced frequently due to unstable relationships in borderline personality disorder.
8. “Alone” by Heart
“Alone” by Heart is another song that deals with the heavy depths of isolation. These feelings of aloneness occur regularly from dissociative emotional states.
It is important to note that this article is not meant to diagnose or label any real-life individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Additionally, the characters and songs listed are fictional and any similarities to real-life individuals with BPD are purely coincidental. Additionally, BPD is a complex and multifaceted disorder that cannot be fully understood or represented through fictional characters or songs. This list is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
