Category: Resource

Borderline Personality Disorder – Sub-types

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and interact with others. People with BPD have difficulty regulating their emotions, and they often have intense and unstable relationships. BPD can also lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide.

There are four main subtypes of BPD: impulsive, discouraged, self-destructive, and petulant. Each subtype has its own unique set of symptoms and characteristics.

Impulsive BPD

People with impulsive BPD have difficulty controlling their impulses. They may engage in risky or dangerous behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or unprotected sex. They may also have difficulty controlling their anger, and they may lash out at others verbally or physically.

Discouraged BPD

People with discouraged BPD have low self-esteem and feel like they are a burden to others. They may be passive and withdrawn, and they may have difficulty making decisions. They may also have suicidal thoughts or feelings.

Self-destructive BPD

People with self-destructive BPD engage in behaviors that are harmful to themselves, such as self-harm or suicide. They may also have a history of trauma or abuse.

Petulant BPD

People with petulant BPD are easily angered and resentful. They may have a short fuse and may lash out at others verbally or physically. They may also be demanding and controlling, and they may have difficulty accepting criticism.

It is important to note that these are just general descriptions of the four main subtypes of BPD. Not everyone with BPD will fit neatly into one category. It is also possible to have more than one subtype.

If you think you may have BPD, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms. There are also a number of support groups available for people with BPD.

With treatment, BPD can be managed and you can live a full and productive life.

Symptoms of BPD

The symptoms of BPD can vary from person to person, but they often include:

  • Unstable relationships: People with BPD have difficulty maintaining stable relationships with others. They may idealize people at first, but then quickly become critical and demanding.
  • Impulsive behavior: People with BPD often act impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to risky or dangerous behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or unprotected sex.
  • Self-harm: People with BPD may engage in self-harm behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or hitting themselves.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior: People with BPD are at an increased risk for suicide.
  • Extreme mood swings: People with BPD experience extreme mood swings, from feeling happy and euphoric to feeling sad and hopeless.
  • Feelings of emptiness: People with BPD often feel empty or void of emotion.
  • Fear of abandonment: People with BPD have a strong fear of abandonment. They may become clingy or possessive of their loved ones, and they may have difficulty coping with even minor separations.
  • Identity disturbance: People with BPD may have difficulty maintaining a stable sense of identity. They may feel like they are different people in different situations, and they may have difficulty making decisions about their lives.
  • Paranoia: People with BPD may experience paranoia or suspiciousness. They may believe that others are trying to hurt them or betray them.

Treatment for BPD

There is no cure for BPD, but there are effective treatments available. The most common treatment for BPD is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Psychotherapy can help people with BPD understand their symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships.

Other treatments that may be helpful for BPD include:

  • Medication: Some people with BPD may benefit from taking medication to help manage their symptoms. Medication is not a cure for BPD, but it can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and make it easier to participate in psychotherapy.
  • Support groups: There are many support groups available for people with BPD. These groups can provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, learn from each other, and get support.

Living with BPD

Living with BPD can be challenging, but it is possible to live a full and productive life. With treatment and support, people with BPD can manage their symptoms and build healthy relationships.

If you think you may have BPD, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms. There are also a number of support groups available for people with BPD.

With treatment, BPD can be managed and you can live a full and productive life.

What is BPD?

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that affects approximately 1-2% of the general population. It is a complex condition that can manifest in a variety of symptoms and behaviors, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. People with BPD often experience intense and unstable emotions, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, impulsive behavior, and distorted self-image.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

The symptoms of BPD can be grouped into four main categories: emotional instability, distorted self-image, impulsive behavior, and difficulty with relationships. These symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways and can vary in intensity from person to person.

Emotional Instability

People with BPD often experience intense and unstable emotions that can change rapidly and unexpectedly. They may feel empty, anxious, or angry, and have difficulty regulating their emotions. This emotional instability can lead to impulsive behavior, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Distorted Self-Image

Individuals with BPD may have a distorted self-image, which can cause them to feel insecure or unworthy. They may experience a sense of emptiness or feel as though they do not have a strong sense of self. This can lead to self-destructive behavior or a desire to please others at the expense of their own needs.

Impulsive Behavior

People with BPD may engage in impulsive behavior, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, overspending, or binge eating. They may struggle with self-control and act on impulses without considering the consequences. These impulsive behaviors can put them in dangerous situations and may have negative consequences for their relationships, work, and personal life.

Difficulty with Relationships

Individuals with BPD often have difficulty forming and maintaining stable relationships. They may have intense and unstable relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. They may fear abandonment and may act out in response to this fear. They may also have a tendency to idealize or devalue others, leading to unstable relationships.

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder

The exact cause of BPD is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors may play a role in its development.

Genetics: Studies have found that BPD may be heritable, meaning that there is a genetic component to the disorder. Individuals with a family history of BPD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.

Environmental factors: Childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, and unstable family environments have been linked to the development of BPD. Traumatic experiences can alter brain development and affect a person’s ability to regulate emotions and form healthy relationships.

Biological factors: Studies have found that people with BPD have differences in brain structure and function, specifically in areas of the brain that regulate emotions and impulse control.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Treatment for BPD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support from family and friends. The goal of treatment is to help individuals manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping strategies.

Therapy: Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for BPD. Various types of therapy can be effective, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Schema Therapy. These therapies focus on helping individuals regulate their emotions, improve their relationships, and develop a more positive self-image.

Medication: Medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of BPD, such as depression, anxiety, and impulsivity. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may be used to treat these symptoms.

Support: Support from family and friends can be an important part of treatment for BPD. Support groups and peer-led organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center, can also be helpful for individuals with BPD and their loved ones.

Self-help: Self-help strategies can also be useful for managing symptoms of BPD. These may include developing healthy habits, such as exercise and healthy eating, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Challenges of Treating Borderline Personality Disorder

Treating BPD can be challenging due to the complex nature of the disorder. Individuals with BPD may struggle with feelings of shame and inadequacy, making it difficult for them to seek help or engage in therapy. They may also have difficulty trusting others, which can make it challenging to form a therapeutic relationship.

In addition, there is a stigma surrounding BPD, which can make it difficult for individuals to access the care and support they need. Many people with BPD may be misdiagnosed or treated for other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, rather than receiving a proper diagnosis of BPD.

Despite these challenges, treatment for BPD can be effective. With proper treatment and support, individuals with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms, form healthy relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Symptoms of BPD can include emotional instability, distorted self-image, impulsive behavior, and difficulty with relationships. The causes of BPD are not fully understood, but genetic, environmental, and biological factors may play a role in its development.

Treatment for BPD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support from family and friends. However, treating BPD can be challenging due to the complex nature of the disorder and the stigma surrounding it. Despite these challenges, with proper treatment and support, individuals with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of BPD, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Distress Management – Remember T.I.P!

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Coping skills when in distress – T.I.P.

When every thing seems just too much to deal with, and you are just overwhelmed by everything, remember the T.I.P. skills.

T.  Temperature.

Fill a bowl with ice cold water. Hold you breathe and dunk your face into the water. Hold it there for as long as you can. The shock of the cold will activate the bodies ‘dive’ response. No bowl of cold water handy? Get some ice cubes and hold them in your hand, and if you can’t get ice cubes, try holding an ice cold drink, anything cold will help. The temperature change will slow down your heart rate and increase the flow of blood to the brain. This will help to lower the strength of the emotion.

I. Intense.

Do something active! Run like crazy, dance, jog for a few minutes. This will expend the bodies energy and calm you down. Any intense exercise will do. Just try it next time.

P. Paced Breathing.

Tense all your muscles at once, while you breathe in, then relax the muscles are breathe out, saying a word that will help you, like ‘Relax’, or ‘Peace’.  You choose the word that works best for you.

 

 

 

 

Disassociating and grounding

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Disassociating and grounding

When I got up this morning, nothing felt real. It was as if I was still asleep and in a dream. I didn’t feel like I was actually alive. It is called disassociation and there are skills that can be used to ground yourself and get back in touch with reality.

Skills

I couldn’t remember the skills required for grounding, so Google to the rescue. I found some articles that reminded me of the things I should try.

https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dissociativeliving/2015/01/use-grounding-techniques-when-dissociating/

https://www.verywellmind.com/grounding-exercises-425376

I read the articles and tried a few of the suggestions. The one that worked for me this morning was a physical sensation. I clutched an ice cold can of Pepsi. I could feel the palm of my hand getting colder the longer I held the can. I concentrated on the physical sensation of the cold, and it helped me.

Next time you are feeling disassociated, look at the articles above and try some of the suggestions.

Good luck!

What is BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder

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A pretty scary sounding diagnosis. ‘Personality Disorder’, the name just screams out to people to run away from anyone diagnosed with BPD. We are not scary, we have many positive features. We view the world and relationships differently, we ‘feel’ more. BPD’s are not dangerous or manipulative, which is how we are sometimes described.

Please what ever you do, do NOT read through the symptoms and characteristics of BPD and diagnose  yourself or anyone else. If you, or someone you know may show symptoms of BDP, get an appointment with a psychiatrist. BPD can be a difficult condition to diagnose, and it has to be done by a professional. There are similar diagnoses to BPD and it can be confusing.

Research

When researching any medical condition, check your sources to make sure that they are respected and reliable. A good start is to look for .gov websites and pages, like the one below.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/index.shtml

The above page is a good place to start. It explains the disorder in relatively plain language. Below is another good, simple explanation, this time from a UK website.

What is borderline personality disorder? Everything you need to know about the condition

Don’t believe everything you read!

There are many websites that preach doom and gloom for BPD. Don’t believe them! BPD is a treatable condition, not by drugs, but by therapy. I will say it again, it can be treated, and the life of BPD people can be improved. It can be hard work, but so worth it. You are worth it.

The first step is to get a good diagnosis from a professional. Sure! There are drugs that can help with some of the symptoms, but therapy is where the healing and recovery takes place.