The Women’s Center for Behavioral Health serves many women that are suffering with ongoing mental health symptoms that don’t seem to improve with traditional therapy. We find that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often under diagnosed which results in years of not getting the appropriate treatment. Have you ever wondered whether you have BPD? BPD is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. People with BPD often experience intense emotional instability, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and impulsive behaviors. Recognizing the symptoms of BPD is crucial for getting appropriate treatment in order to better understand oneself and get the best care. DBT has been highly researched and is determined to be the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder.
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
Emotional Instability and Intense Mood Swings:
One of the hallmark symptoms of BPD is the highly reactive and intense range of emotions experienced by those with this disorder. Individuals may feel intense anger, sadness, or anxiety that may suddenly shift to elation or euphoria. The emotional instability can cause impulsive and unpredictable behaviors, These mood swings can occur rapidly, sometimes within minutes or hours. This symptom can often be confused with bipolar disorder.
Fear of Abandonment:
People with BPD often harbor a fear of rejection or abandonment, which may stem from traumatic experiences or a disrupted attachment during childhood. This fear can lead to frantic efforts to maintain relationships, such as over reliance on partners and friends, intense jealousy, and an excessive need for reassurance. However, ironically, their intense and impulsive behaviors may inadvertently contribute to the instability in their relationships.
Unstable Self-Image:
Individuals with BPD frequently struggle with developing and maintaining a consistent sense of self. They may experience a distorted self-image, feeling uncertain about their goals, values, and even their identity. As a result, they may find themselves frequently changing jobs, career paths, appearance, or values in a search for stability and reassurance. This constant quest for identity can lead to confusion, indecisiveness, and feelings of emptiness.
Impulsive and Risky Behaviors:
Impulsivity is often seen in those with the diagnosis of BPD. This may manifest as reckless driving, substance abuse, binge eating, self-harm, unsafe sexual practices, or overspending. Engaging in such behaviors provides temporary relief from emotional distress but may exacerbate the individual’s overall well-being and disrupt their lives.
Intense and Unstable Relationships:
Difficulties in maintaining stable and healthy relationships are common among those with the diagnosis of BPD. Individuals may experience periods of idealization of a loved one, followed by sudden devaluation, leading to conflict and tumultuous breakups. These relationship difficulties can further reinforce their fear of abandonment and trigger self-destructive behavior, creating a cycle of instability.
Chronic Feelings of Emptiness:
People with BPD may chronically experience a sense of emptiness or a feeling of being incomplete. This emotional void can drive individuals to engage in impulsive actions or seek out intense experiences to distract themselves from their inner turmoil. Despite their efforts, the feeling of emptiness often persists, contributing to further emotional distress.
These symptoms can make life painful and confusing. Once you schedule an intake appointment with the center, we will provide an assessment and evaluation to determine if this is the most appropriate diagnosis. Then we can begin the process of recovery and get on the path of healing.
