I've been friends with this girl for over 10 years. I grew up with family members who dealt with bulimia, BPD, and Bipolar. Love my family members very much and am very comfortable with mental illness as I've learned to separate the behaviors from the person, especially as I've learned to set my own personal boundaries. I am also now a counselor. 

The reason I'm making this post is because having a healthy relationship is possible.  Even though I've been  hurt by my best friend's behaviors, I know that her heart is still in a good place. If she could choose not to react in the way she does, she wouldn't. I do truly believe that. We have many wonderful memories and she's one of my favorite adventure partners. We talk about everything. She feels comfortable to tell me when her emotions are being triggered and we find a way to sift through them. Sometimes I need little breaks because I am human too and need boundaries. Sometime when I set boundaries we fight. But with time, we always come around and will be friends for life.

Even though relationships can be hard, don't give up. Find healthy ways to deescalate the emotion and have 'friendship check-ins' to discuss boundaries and feelings. 

The intensity at which you can feel happiness and sadness is a blessing and a curse. Appreciate the beauty. Learn to gracefully ride out the storm. Have hope. Take action on your mental health. And have compassion for yourself and others. 

