Lukas Gage Shares Story Behind Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis
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In a recent exclusive interview, well-known actor Lukas Gage delved into the significant impact of receiving a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Gage, known for his role in “The White Lotus,” has released his memoir titled “I Wrote This for Attention,” where he openly discusses how the diagnosis has influenced his life.
Gage revealed that the diagnosis not only helped him to gain a better understanding of himself but also made him feel less isolated. The actor shared with PEOPLE that uncovering his borderline personality disorder stemmed from a tumultuous period in his life when an ex-partner, who had given him a sexually transmitted disease, abruptly cut off communication. Subsequently, Gage found himself in a treatment facility in Los Angeles where a medical professional identified that he exhibited eight out of nine markers for the condition.
“Receiving the diagnosis helped me comprehend myself better and made me realise that I wasn’t alone in my struggles,” expressed Gage, who is now 30 years old. He continued, “All the erratic relationships, extreme emotional highs and lows, I felt like there was something inherently wrong with me. But knowing that there are others going through the same experiences made me feel more connected.”
While the diagnosis brought clarity, Gage also acknowledged the challenges of finding the right medication that suited him. He mentioned a period of trial and error where he encountered side effects that worsened certain symptoms. Reflecting on this phase, Gage admitted, “I felt like a stranger to myself, as if I had lost control and was merely existing.”
Despite the difficulties, Gage emphasised the importance of feeling emotions deeply rather than being emotionally numb. He stated, “I would rather experience overwhelming feelings than feel nothing at all.” The actor underscored the significance of being present in one’s emotions, even during tumultuous times.
During the interview, Gage revealed that he recognised instances of hyper-manic episodes while watching his marriage to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton unfold on a reality TV show. Following their split in 2023, Gage acknowledged that he had been acting impulsively, attributing it to being a ‘love addict’ and being on medication that was not conducive to his well-being.
Gage’s candid revelations in his memoir shed light on personal struggles and navigating life with Borderline Personality Disorder. His story stands as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, encouraging conversations around mental health and self-discovery.
It is essential to commend individuals like Lukas Gage who use their platform to raise awareness and destigmatise discussions surrounding mental health. By sharing his journey with honesty and vulnerability, Gage exemplifies resilience and the power of self-acceptance in the face of adversity.