Pete Davidson Talks BPD and Depression on SNL's Weekend Update

On Saturday night, a new season of “Saturday Night Live” premiered, and comedian Pete Davidson took to the Weekend Update desk to talk about borderline personality disorder and depression. Davidson only recently opened up about his borderline personality disorder diagnosis on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast.

“As some of you know, I was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a form of depression,” he told Weekend Update anchor Colin Jost. He then gave “advice” for anyone who thinks they are depressed:

If you think you’re depressed, see a doctor and talk to them about medication, and also be healthy. Eating right and exercise can make a huge difference. And finally, if you’re in the cast of a late night comedy show, it might help if they, you know, do more of your sketches.

He joked that perhaps being on TV more would help with his depression and read a fake doctor’s note: “Please use Pete in more sketches, where we gets to kiss the host, and use more of his rap videos, which I think are actually good.”

Borderline personality disorder is not a “form” of depression, as Davidson said, but audiences seemed to respond well to his lighthearted jokes nonetheless. After all, it’s not everyday you hear depression discussed on late-night TV.

Pete Davidson thank you so much for talking about depression and mental health on @nbcsnl ???????????????????????? #SNL

— Rob Brooks (@yesitsbrooksy) October 8, 2017

Thank you for your strength Pete Davidson. Love how he pulls humor in his struggle. Loved the piece on mental illness, saving lives ❤ #SNL

— Syd (@sydneyfromdablc) October 8, 2017

the fact that pete davidson, even if it was just for a second, got to speak about having bpd on snl tonight make me so happy

— nicole (@fiirelight) October 8, 2017

#SNL #PeteDavidson speaking on mental health and employers attitudes was funny and accurate

— Linda P-S (@greeneyes12354) October 8, 2017

Not easy for #PeteDavidson to discuss his struggles w/ borderline personality disorder/depression.
And he found a way to make us laugh.#SNL

— Danny Boy (@MeyersMusings) October 8, 2017

I am so glad that Pete Davidson talked about his BPD on @nbcsnl. Fighting stigma, and showing that everyone struggles, even comedians.

— KellyKristenJohnson (@kellykrisjohn) October 8, 2017

Pete Davidson talking about his BPD and depression on SNL makes me feel like maybe i will make it someday

— chloe of themyscira (@chloeanesha) October 8, 2017

as someone with depression, watching Pete Davidson talking about his depression in a comical manner on #SNL Weekend Update is revolutionary

— LT (@penstone) October 8, 2017

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental disorder marked by a pattern of ongoing instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning.” While people with BPD have high rates of co-occurring mental disorders, like mood disorders and anxiety disorders, it is not technically a “type” of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health also notes that the label “borderline personality disorder” is very misleading, though a more accurate term does not exist yet.

Confused. Borderline is not a severe form of depression and SNL providing incorrect psychoeducation to America is irresponsible.

— Halie Proulx (@halieproulx) October 8, 2017

I like Pete Davidson's work on SNL but last night he said that borderline personality disorder is "a form of depression" and no, it's not.

— McD (@rackmuller) October 8, 2017

Also can we not be making light of literal depression right now? #SNL

— Bailey Sparklefists ???? (@BaileyGrey789) October 8, 2017

What do you think of Davidson’s sketch? You can watch the full video below: