Welcome to my blog about Borderline Personality Disorder. Here you will find information about the disorder, its symptoms, and ways to manage it. You will also find stories from people who live with BPD and resources for further reading.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental illness – characterized by unstable moods, impulsivity, and chaotic relationships. People with BPD often have difficulty managing their emotions. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-harm. BPD can be a very debilitating condition, but there are treatment options available that can help people manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that causes intense and unstable mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and severe problems with self-image. People with BPD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting themselves or overdosing on drugs. The symptoms of BPD can be divided into four main categories:
1. Impulse control problems. People with BPD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting themselves, overdosing on drugs, or binge eating.
2. Unstable relationships. People with BPD often have stormy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. They may idealize someone one minute and then devalue them the next.
3. Unstable self-image. People with BPD often have a shallow opinion of themselves and may see themselves as worthless or evil. Their self-image can change rapidly from one extreme to the other.
4. Extreme mood swings. People with BPD experience wide mood swings lasting from a few hours to a few days. They may be pleased one minute and then completely overwhelmed by despair the next.
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
While the exact cause of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Family history may be a contributing factor, as BPD appears more common in people with a family member with the disorder or another mental illness. Childhood trauma and abuse are also thought to play a role in the development of BPD. Approximately 60 percent of people with BPD report experiencing abuse, neglect, or abandonment during childhood. People with BPD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can result from trauma or distort their perception of themselves, leading them to see themselves as bad or worthless.
Borderline Personality Disorder in Children and Teens
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that causes intense and unstable mood swings, impulsive behaviors, fear of abandonment, and shaky self-image. People with BPD often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. They may switch rapidly between feeling intense love or hatred for someone depending on how that person treats them at any given moment. Borderline personality disorder usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood. The symptoms are often similar to those of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, making it hard to diagnose. If left untreated, BPD can be extremely debilitating and lead to problems with work, school, and personal relationships. There is hope, however. Most people with BPD can improve their symptoms and live productive lives with treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder in Adults
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that causes intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and severe problems with self-image. People with BPD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may act impulsively without thinking about the consequences of their actions. If you have BPD, you may find it challenging to maintain healthy relationships, cope with the Manufacturer’s instructions for use, or manage your own emotions. BPD typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and is more common in women than men. While there is no cure for BPD, symptoms can be managed with treatment. If you think you might have BPD, seek help from a mental health professional.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness that can cause much instability in a person’s life. BPD is marked by impulsivity, poor self-image, and intense emotional swings. People with BPD often engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. Substance abuse is common among people with BPD. As many as 60 percent of people with BPD also have a substance abuse problem. Alcohol and drugs can be used as a way to self-medicate the symptoms of BPD. They can also be used as a way to cope with the stress of having the disorder. People with BPD are at a higher risk for developing a substance abuse problem for several reasons:
- They may use substances to self-medicate their symptoms.
- They may have impaired judgment due to their impulsivity.
- They may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, because of their poor self-image and lack of positive coping skills.
If you or someone you know has BPD, getting help is essential. Untreated BPD can lead to severe problems, including substance abuse, suicide, and other mental health disorders. Available treatments can help people with BPD manage their symptoms and live happier, healthier lives.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Harm
Self-harm is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD). If you have BPD, you may frequently engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning yourself. Self-harm can provide temporary relief from the intense emotions that are characteristic of BPD. However, it is also a dangerous behavior that can lead to severe injury or even death. If you are self-harming, getting help from a mental health professional who can provide treatment and support is essential.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Suicidal Behavior
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable moods, impulsive behaviors, and distorted views of oneself and others. People with BPD often experience suicidal ideation or thoughts about suicide, and many attempts or die by suicide. Suicide is a significant public health concern, and the rate of suicide among people with BPD is estimated to be between 4 and 9 percent. That means that people with BPD are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. There are several risk factors for suicidal behavior in people with BPD, including a history of childhood abuse or trauma, self-injury, and substance abuse. Other risk factors include:
- Impulsive behaviors.
- Feelings of hopelessness and despair.
- A lack of social support.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of suicidal behavior, it is essential to seek professional help immediately. Many resources are available to help those in crisis, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Treatment
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that causes intense and unstable emotions, impulsive and dangerous behavior, and distorted views of oneself and others. It is one of the most difficult mental illnesses to treat because people with BPD often have difficulty trusting mental health professionals, making it hard to form a therapeutic relationship. However, with proper treatment, people with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and live productive lives. There is no one cause of BPD, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with BPD often have a history of trauma or abuse, which may contribute to the development of the disorder. Treatment for BPD typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and medication.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Recovery
People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often react strongly, especially to perceived abandonment. They may feel empty and lost when they are alone. They often fear being alone, leading them to impulsively seek out relationships, even when those relationships are unhealthy or do not meet their needs. A borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that affects about 1.6% of adults in the United States. Although it is more common in women, men can also be affected. People with BPD often have a history of unstable relationships, job loss, self-harm, and suicide attempts. BPD can be a complex disorder, but there is hope for recovery. With treatment, people with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, productive lives.