What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a specific disorder that affects the mood of a particular person, and this then affects how they interact with others. Commonly known as a personality disorder, this particular type of disorder affects how they think, feel, and behave. It affects how you cope with life and relationships and how you feel emotionally. It may get confusing, tiring, and quite hard to control; it can be a vicious cycle. It’s common for someone who suffers from BPD to develop depression and anxiety.BPD, what is it? It’s crucial to understand and seek the right help.
Symptoms of BPD
- Symptoms of BPDThere are four specific groups when it comes to the symptoms of BPD symptoms, and these include emotional instability, impulsive behaviour, having somewhat disturbed patterns of thinking or perception, and the intensity of unstable relationships with others. There are many signs of BPD, and it’s essential to keep a lookout for them. Everyone who suffers from BPD will experience it differently, but a lot of the BPD symptoms are very similar in that aspect. There is a massive fear of abandonment that comes with BPD and this constant fear that the ones you love will leave, finding it very hard to be alone. BPD traits include.
- Being impulsive
- Feeling bad about yourself
- Self-harming
- Controlling your emotions
- Feeling empty
- Dissociation
- Identity confusion
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling paranoid
- Hearing voices or noises when stressed
- Not having a good relationship with others
- Frequent mood swings
- Fear of abandonment
- Intense anger
Causes of BPD
Having BPD can be a very challenging and stressful time for not only you but the people around you. Even though you may know your behaviours are damaging, you cannot manage them. Many things may help you to cope a little bit better with the BPD, but learning about the disorder is always a plus. Learn to recognise your emotions, what triggers anger, or when impulsivity sets in. Talk to those around you and confide in someone; if you can’t do that, reach out to a professional and know you’re not alone.
They manage intense emotions by learning techniques such as breathing and mindfulness, setting boundaries and limits for themselves, and trying not to make assumptions about people’s feelings or thoughts. They reach out to others who might be going through the same, maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, exercise, and engage in social activities. Don’t blame yourself for your disorder, and most importantly, always know there is someone there willing to listen. Coping with BPD episodes can be overwhelming, but support is available.
Complications of BPD
BPD can be a significant burden on your life and can affect many different areas, including your job, relationships, school, socialising, self-image, and much more. This can mean losing jobs quickly or having to switch jobs frequently. Attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts constantly, perhaps self-harm. You do not have the motivation to do anything and feel hopeless. Conflict in relationships can be very toxic, having that fear of abandonment and trust issues, having involvement in an abusive relationship.
BPD can be linked to other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, other personality disorders, alcohol or other substance abuse, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There’s also often a question of BPD or ADHD, as symptoms can overlap.
Coping with BPD
Having BPD can be a very challenging and stressful time for not only you but the people around you. Even though you may know your behaviours are damaging, you cannot manage them. Many things may help you to cope a little bit better with the BPD, but learning about the disorder is always a plus. Learn to recognise your emotions, what triggers you to be angry, or when impulsivity sets in. Talk to those around you and confide in someone; if you can’t do that, reach out to a professional and know you’re not alone.
They manage intense emotions by learning techniques such as breathing and mindfulness, setting boundaries and limits for themselves, and trying not to make assumptions about people’s feelings or thoughts. They reach out to others who might be going through the same, keep up with a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, exercise, and engage in social activities. Don’t blame yourself for your disorder, and most importantly, always know there is someone there willing to listen.
Treatments
Most commonly, when it comes to a diagnosis, it will be a detailed interview with a doctor or mental health professional. There might be a bunch of questionnaires for evaluation, looking into medical history, and discussing specific symptoms. When a diagnosis takes place, it is usually made in adults, very rarely in children. It is often mainly treated using psychotherapy, with the use of BPD medication possibly. The BPD treatment can help you to learn skills that will, in turn, help you to manage and cope with BPD.
Psychotherapy for BPD, also known as talk therapy, is an excellent type of treatment for those suffering from BPD. It helps you focus on your feelings and functioning, learn specific ways to manage emotions, reduce impulsiveness, cope with relationships, improve them, and learn more about BPD.
There are many types of BPD psychotherapy:
- Schema-focused therapy- This can be done individually or in a group, helping you identify any unmet needs that might have led to a negative pattern overall.
- Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) helps you identify your current thoughts and feelings.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)- This also included group and individual therapy, which is designed explicitly for BPD. It is using DBT skills to approach and teach you how to manage emotions and tolerate stress.
ONLINE COUNSELLING IS AVAILABLE. CALL 07510495791 OR EMAIL BECKYWHOCARES1@OUTLOOK.COM
If you’re looking for online counselling or walk-and-talk therapy in Canterbury, If you need it, or if you’re a student or anyone struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Becky. You can access contact details here. Check out the website for more information.
Call MIND on 0845 766 0163 or email info@mind.org.uk
To visit my website, click here.
For my Facebook page, click here.
For my Instagram page, click here.
