Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life. From emotional instability to tumbling relationships, the psychological impact of BPD can be deeply distressing. However, this condition is often misunderstood.
Its effects are far-reaching and can cause significant challenges for those living with it. In this article, we will explore various ways BPD impacts mental health, how individuals can navigate through these challenges, and the effective treatment options available.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
BPD is a complex psychological condition characterised by an overwhelming fear of abandonment, difficulty in maintaining stable relationships, and an enhanced emotional instability. Due to this, the person’s self-image often deteriorates, which can lead to an identity crisis.
Around 1.4% of US adults experience BPD annually. However, the BPD statistics in Atlanta show that there is an undertreatment for the condition. This includes men going undiagnosed as a result of stigma or improper data collection.
These individuals may, as a result, have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can lead to acting out of impulse, frequent mood swings, and interpersonal conflicts.
The Role of Trauma
One of the major reasons for the occurrence of BPD in adulthood is the trauma you experience in childhood. Trauma in formative years contributes significantly to BPD and leads to long-term psychological effects. For example, an individual experiencing emotional neglect in childhood may develop an intense fear of abandonment and trust issues as an adult.
There is a close association between trauma and BPD. Research indicates that a brain with BPD responds differently to stress, leading to difficulty in managing emotions.
The fear of abandonment, central to BPD, is often rooted in early traumatic experiences. It’s essential that you address these past traumas and heal from them to live a life of fulfillment.
Traits of a Person with BPD
A person with BPD has certain traits that you can look for so that you can treat them early on:
- Emotional Instability
Individuals with BPD may experience extreme emotional shifts that are unpredictable. It causes them to overreact to the smallest things, triggering feelings of intense shame, anger, and worthlessness. For example, a minor disagreement with a friend may surface feelings of rejection, resulting in deep despair or rage.
A person with BPD may also deal with emotions by making rash decisions. They may spend recklessly or engage in risky or addictive behaviours to cope with overwhelming emotions. These actions provide temporary emotional relief, but may lead to further consequences, deepening the emotional turmoil.
- Difficulty Forming Relationships
Individuals with BPD have difficulty forming relationships. Their fear of abandonment leads them to push people away even though they desperately want to feel loved and accepted. They can go from idealising someone to devaluing them in the blink of an eye.
For example, in romantic relationships, someone with BPD may fear their partner leaving, which leads them to become overly clingy or accuse their partner of betrayal. These actions cause significant strain in relationships, making it difficult for them to form long-lasting bonds.
- Suicidal Thoughts
Individuals with BPD may experience recurring thoughts of suicide and engage in self-harm to cope with their emotions. Actions like cutting and burning may provide temporary relief, but they worsen their mental health and may lead to severe physical injuries.
Another concern is suicidal ideation. People with BPD experience extreme emotional distress, and without healthy coping strategies, they may experience extreme suicidal thoughts. It is essential for them to receive treatment that not only addresses these thoughts but also helps them develop healthier coping strategies.
Endnote
While the psychological impact of BPD is severe, you can help individuals heal through effective treatment. Remember, recovery is a process that requires time, patience, and commitment to therapy.
With the help of mental health professionals, you can learn to manage your emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and develop healthier relationships.