Important Facts About Borderline Personality Disorder

 

When an individual is affected by borderline personality disorder also known as BPD it can have a devastating effect not only on the person who has been diagnosed with it but also on the people close to that person such as family and friends.

 

BPD is a recognized mental illness much like depression and bipolar disorder although it is not as well known. A person who has BPD often has a hard time controlling their emotions and feels as though their life is falling apart at the seams. In some cases this is caused by traumatic experiences during childhood or dysfunctions of the brain.

 

Often in cases of BPD a person does not see themselves the way that others may see them. People with this condition often see themselves as worthless or seriously flawed in some major way. Being angry and impulsive as well as having extreme mood swings at a moment’s notice tends to cause people to not want to get close to the individual emotionally however many of these individuals only want the love and closeness of a secure and stable relationship. Mood instability, low self image and undesirable behavior as well as the lack of close relationships are often characteristic of this condition. Because of this instability many individuals affected by BPD often have serious disruptions in home and work life as well as difficulties with long term planning and their own identity as a person. Many individuals with borderline personality disorder need long term mental health care which in some cases includes hospitalization in a psychiatric facility however in the majority of cases over time these people are able to lead a somewhat normal life.

 

Unlike depression or bipolar disorder individuals who may have the same mood for weeks at a time, individuals with BPD are prone to severe outbursts of depression, rage or anxiety that may only last a few hours. In some cases these outbursts may be combined with periods of impulsive aggression, drug or alcohol abuse and the person’s intent, desire or attempt to hurt themselves.

 

Individuals with BPD may also change their minds frequently as to what they want to do with their lives in relation to friendships, values and career plans due to a distorted view of themselves. They often see themselves as bad or not deserving of anything good in their lives. Often they become bored easily and have a basic empty feeling as if they are a stranger to themselves. This feeling is intensified when they are alone or feel isolated and may cause the individual to go to extreme lengths to avoid spending any amount of time alone.

 

People with borderline personality disorder are extremely sensitive to being rejected and may react to this with anger even at short term separations such as a partner going to work or changing plans suddenly. It is thought this may due to the person being afraid that the absent party may not return thus creating abandonment issues causing the person to feel lost and alone. Individuals with BPD may frequently threaten or attempt suicide at the mere thought of being abandoned or left alone as a way to stop this from happening.