May 25th, 2022
Content warning: please be advised that this article contains mentions of suicide.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a mental health disorder that impacts the way individuals think and feel about themselves and others. BPD can cause emotional and behavioral disturbances, problems in everyday functioning, negative self-image, and unstable relationships.
BPD emerges around young/early adulthood; it can seem worse in the early years, but symptoms can gradually get better as time progresses. For people with BPD, proper therapy and psychiatric treatment from qualified professionals, as well as a healthy support system from others in the BPD community, can be especially helpful early on.
Common BPD symptoms include intense fear of abandonment, unhealthy relationships, negative self-image, chronic stress, impulsive behavior, suicidal behavior, mood swings, feelings of sadness, and inappropriate emotional affect. To further elaborate on the common symptomology, here is a helpful breakdown:
It is unclear what may cause BPD, but research focuses on genetics and brain abnormalities as the leading causes. Additionally, many people with BPD report trauma in early childhood. It is important to see a medical professional and have this conversation if you know of BPD in your family or have had a stressful childhood. Once you receive a consensus, it is important to seek the appropriate help you need.
It is important to understand the awareness of BPD as May is Borderline Personality Awareness Month, and mental health professionals are the only kind of healthcare providers that can help diagnose and treat people with BPD.
The most widely used treatment for BPD is called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With DBT individuals can work to gain emotional coping mechanisms, life skills training, and work on emotional balance/control in individual psychotherapy.
It is also important to speak to a psychiatrist if an individual with BPD would like some assistance with medication management. Currently, there is no specific medication to treat BPD itself, but your medical provider may provide some medication management to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression involved in BPD. This can help with the early onset of BPD and help with some of the symptoms mentioned above.
An essential component for BPD treatment is a healthy support system. A support group is a place where people can come together to share their personal experiences, give and receive support, and create a safe space to share information.
There are many ways that one can find support systems in their communities for mental health disorders. Reach out to your therapy or medical provider to help look at available support group programs in medical facilities or organizations.
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for BPD please schedule an appointment with Clarity Clinic by clicking the link below.
If you or anyone you know is exhibiting suicidal behavior linked to BPD please call your nearest emergency healthcare provider, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), or reach out to the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
Written By: Khadija Manzoor, LPC
At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained staff who specialize in therapy and psychiatry services. To learn more about how we can support your mental health, call Clarity Clinic on (312) 815-9660 or schedule an appointment today.
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