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Writer's pictureSusette Jarvis
Dec 73 min read

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Updated: Dec 11

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The power of the brain and how to overcome limiting beliefs
An evocative visual representation of emotional struggle, featuring a figure sitting in a dimly lit room with a reflective and somber atmosphere. The image symbolises vulnerability, & inner turmoil

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often misunderstood, which can contribute to stigma and delays in seeking treatment. This blog post will shed light on what BPD is, its key features, and the pathways to effective treatment.


What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is characterised by persistent instability in emotions, relationships, self-image, and behaviour. People with BPD often experience intense emotional reactions and struggle to regulate their feelings, which can make day-to-day life challenging.


Symptoms of BPD

To understand BPD, it’s helpful to break it down into its core features:

Emotional Instability:

  • Intense mood swings that can change rapidly.

  • Difficulty managing emotions, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.

"A realistic image of a person sitting alone on a park bench, looking distressed. The individual is dressed in casual clothing, with their head in their hands, expressing sadness and introspection. The park features an overcast atmosphere, scattered autumn leaves, and trees in the background, creating a reflective and somber mood. This evocative scene symbolises emotional struggle and solitude, making it ideal for mental health awareness and related topics."
"Lost in thought and emotions, finding strength in the quiet moments of solitude."

Fear of Abandonment:

  • A deep fear of being left alone or rejected, even in stable relationships.

  • This fear often results in clingy behaviour or frantic efforts to avoid abandonment.

"A realistic and emotional image of a person sitting on the floor near a closed door, their face buried in their hands, visibly crying in despair. The dimly lit scene captures the intense fear and sadness of abandonment, with subtle details like a pair of shoes near the door and a shadow fading away on the other side."
"Left in the shadow of loss, the fear of abandonment speaks louder than words."

Unstable Relationships:

  • Relationships may swing between extreme closeness and intense conflict.

  • Loved ones might describe the person as having a “love-hate” approach.

"A realistic and intense image of a couple or close friends in a heated argument. The scene shows two individuals standing in a domestic setting, one shouting and gesturing emphatically while the other looks visibly upset and defensive. Their facial expressions and body language convey anger, frustration, and emotional turbulence, symbolising conflict in relationships."
"Emotions run high as tension takes over, highlighting the fragility of close relationships."

Impulsive Behaviour:

  • Engaging in risky activities like overspending, substance use, or reckless driving.

  • Impulsivity may also include self-harming behaviours.

"A realistic and emotional image of a person sitting alone at a dimly lit table, surrounded by objects symbolising impulsive behaviour, including a credit card and shopping bags for overspending, empty alcohol bottles for substance use, and car keys for reckless driving. The individual looks distressed and regretful, capturing the emotional impact of impulsive actions in a somber and reflective setting."
"The weight of impulsive decisions: a moment of reflection on actions taken in the heat of the moment."

Distorted Self-Image:

  • A shaky sense of identity, leading to uncertainty about personal goals or values.

  • Individuals may feel they don’t know who they are.


"A highly realistic 16:9 image of a fragmented mirror reflecting a distorted and confused face. Each shard of the mirror displays misaligned portions of the person's face, symbolising identity confusion and emotional turmoil. The background is dark and softly blurred, with dramatic lighting highlighting the cracks and emotional depth, representing the internal struggle with self-identity."
"Shattered reflections, fragmented identity – a visual metaphor for the struggle of self-discovery."

Chronic Emptiness:

  • A deep, persistent feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction with life.

Iimage of a fragmented mirror reflecting a distorted and confused face. Each shard of the mirror displays misaligned portions of the person's face, symbolising identity confusion and emotional turmoil. The background is dark and softly blurred, with dramatic lighting highlighting the cracks and emotional depth, representing the internal struggle with self-identity."
"Shattered reflections, fragmented identity – a visual metaphor for the struggle of self-discovery."

  • Intense Anger:

    • Difficulty controlling anger, which may result in outbursts or prolonged frustration.

"A close-up of a person clenching their fists tightly, face flushed with rage, shouting with intense emotion. The background is dark and muted, with dramatic lighting highlighting the tension in their expression and posture, symbolising uncontrollable anger.
"Raw emotion unleashed: a powerful display of uncontrollable anger and tension."

  • Paranoia or Dissociation:

    • Experiencing paranoia or feeling detached from reality, especially during stressful situations.




Causes of BPD

While the exact cause of BPD isn’t known, several factors contribute:

  1. Biological Influences:

    • Genetic predisposition or differences in brain structure and function.

  2. Environmental Factors:

    • Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect are common in those with BPD.

  3. Neurochemical Imbalances:

    • Changes in the brain’s chemical messengers may play a role.




Treatment Options

The good news is that BPD is treatable. With the right approach, individuals can lead fulfilling lives.

  1. Psychotherapy:

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress.

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns..

  2. Medication:

    • While there’s no medication specifically for BPD, medications can help manage symptoms like anxiety or depression.

  3. Support Groups:

    • Peer groups can provide understanding and support.

  4. Lifestyle Adjustments:

    • Mindfulness, meditation, and routine-building can improve emotional stability.



How to Support Someone with BPD

Supporting someone with BPD requires patience, empathy, and understanding:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about the condition to avoid misunderstandings.

  • Be Patient: Recognise that their emotions can be intense and overwhelming.

  • Encourage Treatment: Support their journey towards therapy and self-help. Suggested


Image of two people hugging warmly in a supportive gesture. One person rests their head on the other's shoulder, conveying empathy and understanding. The background features a softly blurred indoor setting with warm tones, highlighting the emotional atmosphere of care and connection.
"An embrace of support and empathy, a moment of connection in challenging times."

Conclusion

Borderline Personality Disorder may be challenging, but with proper treatment and support, individuals can manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, reach out to a mental health professional for guidance. Remember, understanding and compassion are key to breaking the stigma surrounding this condition.


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Love and light to you all 🙏🙌

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SUSETTE JARVIS

DipCHP/DipC



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