May is a significant month for mental health advocates and professionals alike, as it marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Awareness Month. With the aim of promoting understanding, reducing stigma and emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, these observances serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing work needed to support individuals facing mental health challenges. In line with this mission, Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry stands as a steadfast ally, dedicated to advancing mental health care and raising awareness, including specific attention to Borderline Personality Disorder.
Understanding Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May each year, brings attention to the importance of mental health, and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. It provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and communities to come together and promote mental well-being through various activities and campaigns.
During this month, our department hosted two impactful events, focusing on the well-being of healthcare workers and promoting understanding of mental health and resilience.
Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals, this event addressed topics such as burnout, depression, anxiety, stress and the stigma often experienced within the healthcare community. Through engaging panel discussion including Drs. Sam Boas, Fayrisa Greenwald, Randy Martin and Emily Menand, healthcare workers were provided with a safe space to openly share their experiences, concerns and emotions. The event aimed to foster a supportive environment and encourage healthcare professionals to prioritize their mental health, seek help when needed and develop strategies for self-care and resilience.
Understanding Mental Health and Resilience
This presentation, led by Dr. Suza Scalora, aimed to enhance general awareness and knowledge about mental health, wellness, burnout and the importance of resilience. Dr. Scalora emphasized the significance of maintaining overall well-being and highlighted the role of mindfulness in promoting resilience. A mindfulness practice session at the end allowed participants to experience the benefits of mindfulness firsthand, helping them develop practical tools to manage stress and cultivate mental well-being.
The Significance of BPD Awareness Month
In addition to Mental Health Awareness Month, May is also recognized as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about BPD, a complex mental health condition characterized by challenges in emotion regulation, self-image, and interpersonal relationships. BPD Awareness Month serves as a platform to educate the public, reduce misconceptions, and provide support for individuals living with BPD and their loved ones. To learn more about BPD, check out the resources below:
On the Mind Podcast Episodes
- On Borderline Personality Disorder—Part 1: Overview and Diagnosis
- On Borderline Personality Disorder –Part 2: Evidence Based Treatments and Resources for Recovery
Featured Articles
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Resources, Treatments and Support for Patients and Families featuring Dr. Philip J. Wilner.
- Understanding the Difference Between Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder featuring Dr. Frank Yeomans.
NewYork-Presbyterian Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center
Breaking Down Stigma
One of the primary objectives of Mental Health and Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Months is to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions. Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and support, exacerbating the challenges they face. Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry actively works to break down these barriers through educational programs, community outreach, and research initiatives. By promoting open conversations and platforms for advocacy efforts in health equity, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek the care they need.
Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry's Initiatives
Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry is deeply committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care and support for individuals with mental health concerns. Through our wide range of initiatives, we strive to make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community. These initiatives include:
Clinical Services: We offer state-of-the-art clinical services, encompassing evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for various mental health conditions. Our incredibly hard-working multidisciplinary teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists collaborate to provide personalized care tailored to each individual's needs.
Research and Innovation: Our experts actively engage in cutting-edge research to advance the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders. By pushing the boundaries of knowledge, we contribute to the development of new therapies, interventions and strategies to improve mental health outcomes.
Education and Training: Our educators play a vital role in educating future mental health professionals through our training programs. By imparting knowledge, skills and compassion, we are preparing a new generation of clinicians to address the evolving challenges in mental health care.
It is thanks to our dedicated faculty, staff and clinicians that we are able to continue to provide exceptional resources for mental health. The passion, expertise and compassion of our team members have made a tremendous impact on the well-being of countless individuals and communities.