Hello!

This is my first time ever posting to reddit but I've used the site for years without making an account. Anyway, I'm posting this because I could really use some help- allow me to explain. 

I am a 19 yr old girl from a loving and supportive family with a 22 yr old brother who potentially has BPD. As long as I can remember, my brother has exhibited symptoms of this mental illness. From violent mood swings and uncontrollable anger, to dramatic fear of change, to the unreasonable terror of abandonment (real or perceived), to the destructive behavior, they've always been there. I love my brother, but lately- dealing with him has been hard. I feel this is primarily because I don't possess a good understanding of this disorder.

To further explain; my family is really close. I am away at college 9 months out of the year but when I'm on breaks or just feel like it, I come visit and stay at the house with my family. My brother, who attended university for 2 years before taking a break to work, lives at still home due to the close proximity of it to his work and his school. He has a long term relationship with a girl i'm pretty close to, but other than that only posses maybe 1 other close friend. He doesn't bond with people easily and struggles to show empathy to those around him. His explosive tendencies and dramatic moods tend to push people away i think. 

He is also incredibly intelligent- like genius level- but doesn't apply himself for some reason. I'm not kidding when i say he's the smartest person I know.

As of more recent years, my brother was misdiagnosed with anxiety issues about a year ago and was even medicated for them. He quit taking his medication rather soon after filling the prescription. He seemed to be doing better over the follow months, but has recently been worse than ever before. His anger and explosive tendencies seem to be at an all time high, he doesn't have structure in his life due to summer break (he's a paraprofessional at a school), and he's acting incredible manipulative and controlling to those around him. 

I don't know what to do guys. I love him so much and want to help, but I don't know how or what to do. I need help understanding this disorder and how to approach him. I think it's time he see a professional.

thanks for any input you give!
xoxo
ac