Lauren Ellis Case: What Is Borderline Personality Disorder? How to Spot Symptoms and Help Someone in Need

Lauren Ellis, a 22-year-old girl battling Borderline Personality Disorder or Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, was found dead in the Oberlands mental health centre in Guernsey, on October 12, 2017. Due to her severe condition, the nurses were instructed to check on Ellis every 15 minutes. Failing to do so led to the death of the patient. The two nurses assigned for the job ignored to check on her for 90 minutes. They were allegedly busy on their phones, looking for holidays and playing music on their phones. The two were arrested on December 7 2017. World Mental Health Day 2018: Theme, Significance and Objective of The Day Dedicated To Mental Disorders.

The case is still open against the nurses Rory McDermott, and Naomi Prestidge. The two chose to ignore their patient for her last six check-ups. Lauren Ellis hung herself and was found dead at 2:42 am in her room, while the CCTV footage shows the nurses sitting with their feet up, browsing for holidays and playing music on their phones. The news hit Ellis’ loved ones hard, and also the internet. Mental health has been getting the importance it deserves, and people understand. Know more about what is Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and how to help a loved one battling it. World Mental Health Day 2018: 7 Things That Affect Your Child's Mental Health and How You Can Help.

What is Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder?

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, or commonly known as Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental illness where the person struggles to process their emotions in a rational way. It makes the person doubt themselves, and it gets to the extent where they harm themselves. The fight to find their real self is tougher than other people. These people have instability in almost everything they do. Life seems like a rollercoaster for them. It is often confused with Bipolar Disorder.

How to Spot Symptoms of BPD in a Loved One

• They have low self-esteem
• Their moods are extreme in a matter of minutes
• They self-harm marks
• They isolate a lot
• They're randomly clingy

How to Help Someone with BPD, to Your Best Ability?

We cannot stress this enough; be very patient with them. Focus on their emotions when they say something, instead of the words they use. Be calm even when they’re trying to push you away. Try to make them feel heard. But don’t try to bring up the disorder every time. Try to distract their mind to the bright side of life. And most of all, don’t let their words get to you when they’re angry. Their emotions are extreme, and the anger also reaches a different level. But always remember, if they’re harsh to you, they’re way harsher on themselves.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2019 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).