Living at the Extremes: Managing and Treating Borderline Personality Disorder 

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that impacts a person
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that impacts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a well-known personality disorder. If you struggle a lot to control your thoughts and feelings about other people and yourself, you may be diagnosed with a personality disorder.

It is not very common to have Borderline Personality Disorder, and the condition affects about 1.4% of adult Americans in the country. BPD affects people in many ways, depending on the individual. Very strong, overpowering, or fluctuating emotions can be felt if you're suffering from this condition. Relationships or identity issues could potentially be a problem for you as well.

BPD is a common mental health concern impacting the lives of many people. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
BPD is a common mental health concern impacting the lives of many people. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? How can it be Managed?

Personality concerns are not curable but definitely be treatable. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
Personality concerns are not curable but definitely be treatable. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by impulsivity, interpersonal relationship instability, and significant mood swings. Borderline Personality Disorder patients are frequently very sensitive. Some compare it to having a nerve ending exposed as intense reactions can be brought on by small things. You also have a hard time cooling down once you're upset.

The majority of personality disorders start in adolescence when your personality is still growing and developing. Because of this, practically everyone with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is older than 18.

It is simple to see how this emotional instability and inability to cope with one's feelings can cause problems in relationships and lead to impulsive, even dangerous, behaviors. When you're experiencing intense emotions, it's difficult to remain rational or grounded. You might make nasty remarks or behave in risky or improper ways, which will make you feel bad or humiliated later.

It's a vicious circle, and it may seem impossible to break free from it. Yet, that isn't the case. You can feel better and regain control over your thoughts, feelings, and behavior with the use of BPD treatments and coping mechanisms.

You can do the following things to manage the signs of Borderline Personality Disorder:

1) Engage in activities that will stimulate your senses

A lot of times when we not engage our senses we end up being disoriented. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
A lot of times when we not engage our senses we end up being disoriented. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

One of the quickest and simplest ways to self-soothe is by using your senses. To determine which sensory-based stimulation is most effective for you, you will need to explore. You'll also want various techniques for various moods. When you're upset or angry, one thing may help, and when you're numb or depressed, something else may come in handy.


2) Change your behavior

It's critical to understand that these impulsive actions have a purpose. These are coping strategies for handling stress. Even if only momentarily, they improve your mood. Yet, the overall costs are very significant.

Learning to handle distress is the first step towards regaining control over your conduct. It is essential for altering Borderline Personality Disorder's harmful patterns. You'll be able to stop yourself from acting out when you have the capacity to withstand distress. Moreover, you will learn to ride out challenging emotions while maintaining control of the experience rather than responding to them with self-destructive actions.


3) Practice grounding

Living with BPD is living at the extremes. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
Living with BPD is living at the extremes. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

The fight-or-flight reaction cannot be "thought of yourself" quietly after it has been activated. Instead of concentrating on your thoughts, concentrate on how your body is feeling. The next grounding technique is a quick, easy approach to calm down, stop being impulsive, and restore control. In only a few short minutes, it can significantly alter the situation.

Choose a peaceful area and sit comfortably. Focus solely on the sensations you have in your body. Feel the floor where you are sitting. Feel the ground beneath your feet. In your lap, feel your hands.

Take calm, deep breaths while concentrating on your breathing and inhaling gently. Next, pause for three counts and exhale gently, waiting once more for a count of three. Do this continuously for several minutes. Ultimately, it's critical to accept accountability for your part in the connections you maintain. Consider how your behavior may be causing issues.


Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder

Individuals with BPD tend to be in therapy for a long time. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
Individuals with BPD tend to be in therapy for a long time. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Many mental health experts in the past believed that there wasn't much they could do to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) because it was so challenging to do so. Nonetheless, we now understand that BPD is curable. In actuality, Borderline Personality Disorder has a better long-term prognosis than bipolar disorder and depression.

Nonetheless, it necessitates a unique strategy. The majority of BPD sufferers can and do recover, and with the correct support and treatment, they do so rather quickly.

The key to healing is to stop the dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns that are bringing you pain. Lifelong habits are difficult to break, and it will initially feel strange and awkward to decide to pause, think, and then take new actions. Yet, over time, you'll develop new routines that assist you in maintaining emotional equilibrium and being in control.

It's crucial to take the time to select a therapist you trust—someone who makes you feel accepted and understood—and who seems to get you. Spend some time locating the ideal candidate. But after you do, commit to going to counseling. The assistance and direction of a licensed therapist can significantly impact BPD therapy and recovery.

Staying on the edge can be very difficult for individuals with personality concerns. (Image via Pexels/ Mariana)
Staying on the edge can be very difficult for individuals with personality concerns. (Image via Pexels/ Mariana)

It's critical to keep in mind that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a medical issue. Like with any mental health issue, receiving assistance as soon as symptoms start to manifest helps lessen the impact on daily living. Plans for treatment that can assist BPD sufferers in controlling their thoughts and behaviors are available from mental health specialists.

Stress, depression, loss, and loneliness are common among loved ones of those who suffer from borderline personality disorder. It's also critical to look after your mental health and get assistance if you're exhibiting these symptoms.


Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.


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