There are many organisations that may be able to help with support of personality disorder or emotional dysregulation. Please find below some recommended and highly regarded organisations.
When someone you care about is struggling with a personality disorder, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and at times deeply painful, not only for them, but for those around them. At Headway, we believe that understanding is the first step toward compassion and meaningful support.
This page will help you understand what a personality disorder is, how it’s diagnosed today using the latest psychological model, and how it may affect your loved one’s relationships, emotions, and everyday life.
A personality disorder is a mental health condition where a person’s inner experience and behaviour — the way they think, feel, and relate to others — is consistently different from what’s considered typical in their culture or environment.
Instead of trying to fit people into one label, this model looks at which personality traits are most intense or problematic. These might include:
Intense emotional ups and downs, sadness, or anxiety
Social withdrawal, feeling emotionally distant
Acting impulsively or struggling to plan ahead
Unusual thoughts or perceptions that may feel confusing or distressing
Each person has their own unique pattern — and understanding that pattern helps clinicians offer more effective, individualized treatment.
This includes:
Does your loved one have a stable sense of who they are?
Are they able to set and follow through on life goals?
Can they consider other people’s thoughts and feelings?
Are they able to form close, meaningful relationships?
The more difficulty someone has in these areas, the more likely they may be experiencing a personality disorder.
Loving someone with a personality disorder can come with intense highs and lows. You may experience:
These reactions are normal, and you’re not alone. With the right knowledge and support, families can learn how to:
A formal diagnosis should always be made by a qualified mental health professional — such as a psychologist or psychiatrist — using careful interviews, observation, and sometimes standardised assessments.
Importantly, a diagnosis is not a label — it’s a tool for better care. It helps clinicians, families, and individuals understand what’s happening and develop a clearer plan for support and treatment.
Personality disorders can be challenging, but help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out for support today. Early intervention and the right treatment can make a world of difference.
A hub for information, resources, and support networks.
Support and education for people living with complex mental health conditions
Mental health support, including resources for personality disorders.
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Leading global organization providing education and support for BPD
Research-based information on personality disorders.
Resources and advocacy for mental health, including personality disorders.
