A little self-knowledge helps
BPD is a psychological disorder that most people know little or nothing about. Why? Because its symptoms are largely interpersonal, causing many to view it as a flaw in one’s personality, not a mental illness. Also, people shy away from the term because of its unflattering name, ‘Borderline Personality Disorder.’
Yet this disease has serious implications for both the sufferer and those who live with and love them.
Recognising the symptoms of the disease is the first method of dealing with it.
Symptoms include:-
- They have turbulent and stormy relationships, making it difficult to keep a job or maintain a close relationship.
- They have frequent uncontrolled emotional outbursts.
- Though they’re acutely sensitive to being abandoned and rejected, they’re harshly critical of those closest to them.
- They view others as “good” or “bad.” A friend, parent or therapist may be idealized one day, yet viewed the next day as a terrible person for failing to live up to their expectations.
- They may act out with self-destructive activity (i.e. reckless driving, compulsive shopping, cutting,suicide attempts, eating disorders, alcohol or drug abuse or promiscuous sex) as a way to fend off feelings of unbearable emptiness.
If you’re living with someone with BPD, life probably feels like an emotional roller coaster and you may feel you are forever walking on egg shells. As a sufferer of BPD I appreciate that at times I am completely impossible and there isn’t a thing my fiance can say or do that is right. But I love him more than life itself and I am determined not to blow it this time. I am fighting so hard to keep myself in check and to use all the skills life has taught me to manage my condition and to make him as happy as I possibly can.
borderline personality disorder 