Sample Congressional Letter   YOU can participate in “MAY IS BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH 2009”   A year ago, 2008, The House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1005 designating May as Borderline Personality Disorder Month. As May 2009 approaches, and several new members have joined the House and Senate with the current administration, we feel an update and reminder letter of appreciation would be timely. Your participation in emailing or faxing your Representative and/or Senators will contribute to a major advocacy movement for awareness of borderline personality disorder. To participate, go to: http://www.house.gov/  and http://www.senate.gov/           SAMPLE E-MAIL/FAX TO CONGRESS:     Dear ___________________,     As your constituent, I am someone who is aware of the devastating effects of borderline personality disorder, and I am writing in appreciation of the passage of House Resolution 1005 last spring designating May as Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. Sponsored by Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tom Davis (R-VA), the resolution outlined the need to educate our Nation about this disorder and the consequences of those who suffer from it. In the past year, this support has helped raise public and professional knowledge of the disorder, which is an important step toward further research, earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.      Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder that has a lifetime prevalence of 5.9% of our population, according to the latest research. This disorder severely inhibits management of one’s emotions. Ten percent of adults with BPD commit suicide. Symptoms also include destructive impulsivity, rage, chaotic relationships, and an extreme fear of abandonment. Fifty-five to eighty-five percent of adults with BPD self-injure their bodies. BPD is a relatively newly recognized disorder and is at least two decades behind in research, treatment options and family education compared to other major psychiatric disorders. Studies suggest that over 50% of individuals with this disorder are severely impaired in employability. Twelve percent of men and twenty-eight percent of women in prison have BPD. Overall, the high prevalence of BPD and its costly personal, social and economic toll make it a national public health burden.     The House Resolution for BPD Awareness has helped with informing a wider circle of the public about this disorder. In fact, this year, The American Psychiatric Association will be featuring borderline personality disorder in several of the presentations at their annual convention in May. Likewise, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will offer research and treatment sessions on BPD at their National Convention in July. Recognition by Congress gives viability to advocacy for borderline personality disorder as we advance our mission for accelerated research, earlier diagnosis and effective treatments. Please continue to support knowledge of this disorder throughout the month of May and beyond.     Respectfully,     (Your Name)