10 Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder You Should Know
Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD for short, is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, behavior, and sense of identity. It is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, which can lead to a lack of appropriate treatment. In this article, we will discuss 10 common symptoms of BPD that you should know.
1. Fear of Abandonment
One of the hallmark symptoms of BPD is an intense fear of abandonment, whether it’s real or imagined. People with BPD may go to great lengths to avoid being left alone, including manipulating others or becoming clingy and needy. They may also interpret minor disagreements or separations as rejection.
2. Unstable Relationships
Due to their fear of abandonment and other symptoms, people with BPD tend to have unstable relationships. They may alternate between idealizing and devaluing their partners, friends, or family members, leading to frequent conflicts and breakups.
3. Intense Mood Swings
People with BPD often experience intense mood swings that can change rapidly and unpredictably. They may feel euphoric and impulsive one moment and then deeply depressed or angry the next. These mood swings can also be triggered by external events or perceived criticism.
4. Impulsive Behavior
Another symptom of BPD is impulsive behavior, such as substance abuse, binge eating, reckless driving, or reckless spending. People with BPD may struggle to control their urges and engage in risky or self-destructive activities to cope with their emotions.
5. Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts
People with BPD may engage in self-harm, such as cutting or burning themselves, as a way to cope with emotional pain or express their feelings. They may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts, especially during periods of intense distress or abandonment.
6. Identity Issues
People with BPD may struggle to define their sense of self or have a shifting sense of identity. They may try on different roles, beliefs, or personalities to fit in or please others, leading to a lack of authenticity and confusion about their values.
7. Intense Anxiety
People with BPD may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks, especially in response to perceived threats or triggers. They may also struggle with generalized anxiety or social anxiety disorder.
8. Paranoia and Dissociation
Some people with BPD may experience paranoid thoughts or dissociative symptoms, such as feeling detached from their body or surroundings, or experiencing memory gaps or identity confusion.
9. Difficulty Regulating Emotions
People with BPD may struggle to regulate their emotions, especially negative ones such as anger, shame, or sadness. They may be easily triggered or overwhelmed by emotional stimuli and find it difficult to calm down or soothe themselves.
10. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness
Finally, people with BPD may experience chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom, as if they lack a sense of purpose or direction. This can lead to a sense of restlessness or impulsivity as they try to fill the void.
If these symptoms sound familiar to you or someone you know, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. BPD is treatable with psychotherapy, medication, and other interventions. With the right support and treatment, people with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
