You may have noticed that from time to time, I'll write a blog about some topic having to do with mental illness. I thought it was time to tell you the reason why.Our 31 year old son, Ethan, who is a gifted singer/songwriter, and has given me permission to write this blog, was diagnosed with 'Borderline Personality Disorder" in his early 20's. Why am I telling you this? Because it's real! 14 million Americans have had this hideous disorder sometime in their lives, and most of those people don't have a clue.

EJ and his Percussionist, Quinton Gelderman, Opening for 'Mountain' at the Ridgefield Playhouse - Credit Ethan Carey
EJ and his Percussionist, Quinton Gelderman, Opening for 'Mountain' at the Ridgefield Playhouse - Credit Ethan Carey
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Left undiagnosed and untreated, BPD can lead to broken families, substance abuse, severe anxiety, suicide attempts, ruined relationships, reckless behavior, impulsivity, extreme anger, along with a poor self image. Should you meet Ethan(EJ), you'll find he's outgoing, engaging, bright, and fun to be with. Only when you've actually lived with someone who's been diagnosed with BPD, do you actually experience what this disorder is all about. It's like an emotional rollercoaster ride where you can't get off.

Because Mindy and I had no idea what we were dealing with, there was a lot of yelling and screaming through EJ's middle and high school years. As his BPD symptoms became more pronounced, she and I decided to meet with a therapist, and in time, came to understand how serious this type of mental illness really was. Our therapist taught us how to communicate with him, so our conversations didn't turn into screaming rages or holes punched in the walls. There is help available for an individual with BPD through therapy and medication. There is also support for family members who have a loved one with BPD.

Uncle Ethan with his Nephew, Bradley - Credit - Ethan Carey
Uncle Ethan with his Nephew, Bradley - Credit - Ethan Carey
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Go to borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com, and if you, a friend, or a loved one has 5 of the nine symptoms displayed, there is help and support available. If you would like to reach out to me with any questions or concerns about BPD, please feel free to email me at ecarey951@gmail.com

Listen to Ethan Carey on the Ethan & Lou Show weekdays from 5:30-10AM on 95.1 FM. You can listen online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.

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