I have to tell you that you are seriously misinformed about Borderline Personality Disorder. BPD is NOT a serious mental illness, with organic origins, like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Personality Disorders are learned patterns of thinking, feeling and behavior. There can also be co-occurring Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, etc, which would require medication, plus there could be a substance abuse issue, which must be addressed first. But, the research, and my personal experience, is that the learned behaviors, thinking and feeling can be unlearned with a good therapist and discipleship.
I was in psychotherapy for 23 years, and started making radical changes around year 14. My therapist NEVER let me off the hook for my negative behaviors, even after I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I was always held responsible for behaving rationally, and maturely. My Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder NEVER gave me a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. There was no acceptable reason for negative behavior.
I was taught that behavioral change was within my control, IF I was willing to make those changes. Unfortunately, I did not become willing till my husband moved out, filed for divorce, and my three adult children threatened to stay away from me. God did an amazing thing one week. I started having flashbacks of all the horrible things I'd done, and God healed me. I changed radically overnight.
I made amends with my children by accepting responsibility for my behavior during their childhood, and NOT using my mental health diagnoses as an excuse, or reason for how I acted.
So, you see, I do understand what happens with people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I also did extensive research on it when I was studying for my Masters in Social Work. I also worked in a psychiatric hospital for four years, treating people with all diagnoses in group therapy.
Again, I don't know where you got the idea that Borderline Personality Disorder is the same type of mental illness as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, but you are wrong. Even the DSM-IV has them classified differently. Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Mania, and Psychotic Disorders are list under Axis I and all Personality Disorders are listed under Axis II. Axis II disorders are not diagnoses that can't be changed.
In His Service,
Madison