BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and challenging personality disorder characterised by a pattern of unstable relationships, intense emotions, and impulsive behaviours.
A Diagnosis Typically Requires:
Fear of Abandonment: Individuals with BPD often experience an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected by loved ones, leading to difficulties in maintaining stable relationships.
Self-Harm: BPD is associated with self-harming behaviours, such as cutting or burning, as a way to cope with emotional pain or feelings of emptiness.
Suicidal Thoughts/Feelings: People with BPD may experience frequent and intense suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly during times of emotional distress.
Emotional Instability: Individuals with BPD may experience extreme emotional fluctuations, with emotions lasting from a few hours to days and varying in intensity.
Identity Instability: People with BPD may have an unstable sense of self, struggling to establish a clear and cohesive identity, which can lead to an ever-changing self-image based on their surroundings and relationships.
Impulsiveness: BPD can lead to impulsive behaviours, such as substance abuse, binge eating, reckless driving, or engaging in risky sexual encounters.
Regular Feelings of Emptiness: Individuals with BPD may frequently experience a sense of emptiness or numbness, leading to a desire to fill the void with impulsive actions.
Paranoia and Overthinking: BPD can involve feelings of paranoia, where individuals fear that others are plotting against or rejecting them. Overthinking and repetitive rumination are also common.
Difficulty Maintaining Relationships: People with BPD often find it challenging to maintain stable and healthy relationships due to their intense emotions and fear of abandonment.
Coping Strategies
Coping with BPD symptoms can be challenging, but there are self-help techniques that can offer relief and support during difficult times. It's essential to be patient and kind with oneself while implementing these strategies:
When Feeling Anxious or Stressed:
Focus on an object's details to distract from anxious thoughts.
Engage in mindful activities, such as making a hot drink and savouring its taste.
Squeeze or feel something soft, like a pillow or stress ball, to ground yourself.
When Feeling Low, Depressed, or Lonely:
Practice self-care with activities like a facial mask or warm bath.
Connect with nature by going for a walk or spending time by water to promote a sense of calm.
Talk to someone about your feelings to receive support and understanding.
When Feeling Irritable:
Squeeze or feel something soft to release tension.
Vent emotions safely by hitting a pillow or punching bag.
Listen to loud music as a form of catharsis.
Take time alone to recharge and regain emotional balance.
Borderline Personality Disorder can be challenging to navigate, but with self-awareness and coping strategies, individuals can find ways to manage their symptoms effectively. Seeking professional support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, is crucial for developing a personalised treatment plan. By incorporating self-help techniques into daily life and fostering a supportive network, individuals with BPD can work towards emotional stability, healthier relationships, and improved overall quality of life. Remember, healing and growth take time, so be gentle with yourself throughout the journey.