I received the BPD diagnosis in the form of a suggestion from my non-diagnosing undergraduate counselor in 2015. I had recently been hospitalized for suicidality and was told I'd be ask to drop out for a semester if I showed continued signs of poor mental health/management of my symptoms. With limited funds and no alternative housing, I took it upon myself to get myself together. I've learned a lot about what is called BPD since but unfortunately haven't had access to BPD specific treatment. This has been okay at times because I believe recovery can exist outside of the frameworks delineated by the medical industrial complex. I received the official diagnosis in 2021, though was denied treatment due to the perceived risk I presented and the treatment program being virtual/remote at the time. I hope to save up enough money for treatment by the end of this year. :) groups like emotions matter help me & people in situations similar to mine in the meantime!!

As a prison abolitionist and someone of the Boricua diaspora, I have found strength and resilience in the same qualities that have earned me the BPD label. I am thrilled to be joining the Walk for BPD and Emotions Matter because of the power of this community!!