borderlinebrooke-bpd

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

BPD & Co-Occurring Disorders

Individuals with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder are often more susceptible to other mental health disorders than individuals without #BPD. The reason for this isn't exactly known however, the disorder is an impairment of the brain that fuels high emotional reactions and impulsive behavior. So, it's not a huge wonder that it could lead to and be confused with other psychological problems.

It is all too common for the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder to be missed due to the similarities of other mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders. If not properly diagnosed, the proper treatment can't be given, and successful remission not achieved.

These are some of the common co-occurring disorders:

Anxiety & Panic Disorder - Anxiety occurs in about 90% of #Borderlines. The more extreme, Panic Disorder, occurs in about 50%. Panic disorder is having reoccurring unexpected panic attacks followed by the stress of when another will occur. These attacks occur seemingly out of nowhere which doesn't help with the concern of wondering when another may occur.

PTST - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Occurs in 26% - 57% of Borderlines. This percentage is hard to determine precisely as their symptoms are very similar and around 50% of Borderlines have a history of trauma.

Eating Disorders - Generally anorexia or Bulimia - Occurs in around 25% of Borderlines.

ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Occurs in 30% - 60% of Borderlines. This percentage is hard to distinguish as the impulsivity and emotional instability of each disorder is so similar. One difference however is that BPD is more of a self-destructive disorder and ADHD is more hyperactive. Impulsivity in Borderlines is more emotionally induced whereas in ADHD it comes from the nervous system.

Major Depressive Disorder & Dysthymia - Occurs in over 80% of Borderlines & around 40% will develop Dysthymia which is milder but long-term form of depression lasting at least 2 years. A difference in #MajorDepressiveDisorder and Borderline Personality disorder is that in BPD the feelings are usually triggered by a current event. They can also be triggered by thoughts of loneliness or fear of abandonment. These systems generally don't last near as long in Borderlines as they do with Major Depression and tend to turn themselves around when the situation causing them changes.

Bi-Polar Disorder - Occurs in about 10% of Borderlines. Bi-Polar is a combination of manic-depressive disorder along with manic and hypomanic episodes. Manic being elevated, expansive or irritable moods lasting at least one week. Hypomanic being moderate or mildly elevated moods and higher energy levels lasting at least 4 days.

Substance Abuse - Many Borderlines turn to drugs and or alcohol to numb their intense emotional pain. The relief however is short lived, and the use of substances drastically worsens their already impaired logic and high emotional hyperactivity. In a need to feel relief from their emotions again and again, the repeated use can quickly turn into a very unhealthy addiction.

If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of any of these disorders, you should seek help immediately from a licensed mental health professional or a primary care physician.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

Adolescents & Borderline Personality Disorder

As a parent of a hormonal teen, it's extremely common to find yourself asking "is this normal teenage behavior, or is it something more."

Until recently it wasn't believed to be possible to diagnose #BPD before the age of 18. However, recent studies have found that not only is it possible, but it's vital. During our early teenage years, the brain is still developing and our thought patterns have not become firmly rooted yet. For this reason, it is far easier to form new thought patterns as a young adult than it is in our mid-twenties, thirties, and later on in life. The longer we think a certain way, the harder it is to learn a new way of thinking.

When we think, we do most of it on a subconscious level. We are used to the way we interpret the world around us and everything in it. We know what we like and what we don't like, without having to think it through at all. This is our subconscious mind. It has its patterns formed and runs off them like clockwork. For example, if someone cuts us off in traffic we don't stop and think "I want to get mad about this," we just react. Not to say everyone has road rage, but we each have our own triggers.

The sooner we start forming healthy thought patterns the easier it will be.

Not only is it possible to diagnose #BPD in adolescents, but it's vital.

The following are some indicators to start with that could signal that your child's behavior is more than just "normal teenage behavior."

One indicator is if your child is self-injurious. While some do this just as a phase, or because their friends are doing it, if it persists there is a big problem. Adolescents who try this for no other reason than because their friends tried it will generally stop within the first few instances because, well, it hurts. If they continue, they have found that it's a way to relieve internal pain and it helps to regulate their intense emotions. However, it's not a healthy method.

While suicidal attempts and self-injuring are two very different things, self-injuring (NSSI - Non-Suicidal Self Injury) increases their likelihood of attempting suicide three times over.

Not everyone with #BPD will engage in self-injury, while others without #BPD will. This is not a determining factor, just one of many indicators to watch closely for.

Another indicator is if they have a lot of problems in their close relationships. Parents, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. If they switch from idealizing to devaluing the people they are closest to, this is a back-and-forth battle between not knowing who they really are (mirroring and idealizing) and self-preservation (I'll push you away before you can abandon or hurt me.) Adolescents with #BPD don't have a very solid sense of self, if any at all, so they often mirror those around them. This isn't so much to fit in as it is their way of trying to figure out who they are.

While multiple sexual partners is becoming more and more common, there is a difference in exploring as your hormones change and using sexual encounters as a way to feel more desired and loved. Often times a Borderline will use sex as a way to hold onto someone they fear will abandon them. They can also be highly impulsive and use these encounters as a way to try and curb intense emotions in the moment. If they are "dumped" they could run into the arms of the very next opportunity they find just to ease the feelings they are having of not being wanted. Those intense and very unpleasant feelings can quickly spiral into self-loathsome and self-hate. "There's something wrong with me, or I'm unlovable."

The best way to distinguish between normal teenage behavior and #BPD is to look at the reason behind the behavior. Are they experimenting in their development, or is there a deeper reason?

Drinking, drugs, driving recklessly, and defiance; all commonly occur in adolescence. However, the reasons for these actions can be very different. For example, a teenager testing the limits of their first car, or racing with friends is far different than a teenager who is using a dangerous activity as a way to cope with emotions or feel more alive.

There are hardly, if any, cases of adults with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder that did not have symptoms as adolescents.

Adolescents with #BPD struggle with emotional regulation and often their reactions don't fit the situation. Whether they realize it's an overreaction or not (this can be learned) they do have the emotion to contend with. Validation of what they are feeling is one of the most effective ways of dealing with these emotional reactions.

Validation is not agreeing with or feeling the same as; it's acknowledging someone else's truth.

Teaching self-validation through your own validation of your child is probably the most beneficial thing you can do for them yourself. Validation is not saying "I understand" or "I agree with" it is accepting another's point of view as their own even if it doesn't match yours. We are all individuals with our own thoughts and feelings. Not encouraging this individuality can lead to an even further lack of their sense of self and self-doubt. Validation communicates your acceptance of them and encourages their acceptance of themselves. It shows you accept the truth that is real for them, even if you don't agree with or understand it yourself.

One of the main comments people with #BPD make is that they don't feel understood. Validation, more than anything, can help them start to feel seen, heard, and understood. When they start to feel this way, they can start thinking with a new mindset. One that builds them into a stronger more self-assured version of themselves.

Early treatment of BPD is the quickest route to recovery.

Treating #BPD in your adolescent is vital and the best way we currently have for the treatment and regression of #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. #DBT

Thank you for sharing your time with me today!

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

What is Attachment Theory?

According to Wikipedia, Attachment theory is a psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans.

Attachment - defined as, a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.”

To elaborate. A need for human connection is naturally embedded in our programming.

In prehistoric times, those that relied on themselves were far less likely to survive than those who had at least one other person close to them. Having someone that intimately cares for you makes you far less susceptible to many kinds of dangers than if you're always "watching your own back." Due to this, over time, our #AttachmentSystem developed and is genetically passed on to ensure our survival.

Your attachment system is the part of you that tracks the availability of your attachment figures, or those you have an intimate bond with. Parents, siblings, partners, children, etc.

Yes, we all have an Attachment System, but the way we attach ourselves to others varies from person to person.

Attachment Theory doesn't care what race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion you are. Everybody falls under 1 of these 4 categories.

The 4 Attachment Styles:

Anxious Preoccupied:

An #Anxious individual craves intimacy, and their relationships are generally the center of their attention. They have a super sensitive attachment system, always on high alert for anything that might threaten their relationships. The slightest hint of an issue is all it takes to activate this attachment system. (Consuming thoughts and strategies for reestablishing the connection to their loved one.) Once activated, it requires "proof" that the relationship is safe before it will shut back down.

Of all the styles, research suggests that Anxious Preoccupied is the most intuitive to other people's emotions. Jumping to conclusions, however, is not uncommon. It's important for anxious individuals to remember to not jump the gun and react with emotional mind. If wise mind is applied, an anxious individual can hold a pretty powerful intuition card.

Around 20% of the population has an Anxious Preoccupied attachment style.

Dismissive Avoidant:

A #Dismissive individual associates intimacy with a loss of independence and therefore tries to minimize the amount of it in their life. They have the mindset that "my needs are rarely ever met, so I'll just take care of myself."

Avoidants are the worst of all the styles at reading the emotions of others, not only because they try to avoid emotions in general, but also because they don't feel like it's their responsibility to do so. They would far rather downplay the emotion if necessary, than have to face it.

Research also shows that Avoidands don't really date other Avoidans. They also tend to spend more time single than the other styles, so you're more likely to find them in the dating pool than Secure or Anxious individuals. After the mid 20's Secure people are usually married, and anxious people tend to stay in relationships even if they are short-lived.

Disorganized / Fearful Avoidant:

The #Disorganized style has a very hot and cold dynamic as individuals with this style flip back and forth between Anxious and Avoidant. They can idealize someone one day and completely ignore them the next. It's a combination of craving affection and avoiding closeness at all costs.

Luckily, it's the rarest of all the styles, as it's the hardest to live with for obvious reasons. Though it's not ideal, until you become secure, being one or the other, (anxious or avoidant) you are used to the "way you are." Disorganized individuals can flip to anxious or avoidant at any point, depending on what it was that triggered their attachment systems activation.

Around 3-5% of the population has a Disorganized Fearful Avoidant attachment style.

Secure:

A #Secure individual feels comfortable with intimacy and for the most part, has no issue trusting that their needs will consistently be met. They are comfortable with their emotions, and the emotions of others. They don't worry that their partner is cheating, or assume people are going to walk out of their life at any point.

Naturally, reports show that couples with two secure partners tend to be the happiest couples. Surprisingly though, couples with one secure and one insecure partner report around the same level of success. This goes to show that a secure partner can help tremendously in the healing of an insecure partner.

Around 50% of the population has a Secure attachment style.

Each of the Attachment Styles differ in a lot of ways. Such as views on intimacy, relationship expectations, sexual preference, fighting style and conflict resolution, communication skills, and the way we interpret things.

When we speak, only 7% of the message is conveyed by the actual words we say. 93% of the message is conveyed through tone, body language, facial expressions, etc.

If I could recommend one thing to all families and couples involving a member that is Anxious, Avoidant, or Disorganized. It would be to learn as much as you can about Attachment Theory and your particular Attachment Styles. Knowing is the first step to healing, but also to preventing avoidable conflicts.

With effort and determination, you can work together towards a Secure Attachment for all.

Be sure you don't confuse an activated attachment system with love. This is NOT what nature intended for you.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

The Importance of the Present Moment

It is far too easy to get lost in thoughts of the past. Grieving injustices, pining for lost loves, overthinking interactions or decisions made. We also tend to overthink the endless possibilities of the future. Planning and preparedness are one thing, but stressing about things yet to come is pointless and quite literally, unhealthy, for several reasons. We are all guilty of it, and we actually spend far more time living in the past and future than we realize. In doing so, we miss out on the present moment. The now. The only thing that truly exists.

Anxiety challenges our ability to stay in the moment. Fear-based thoughts drive our minds in any other direction possible in an attempt to avoid the anxiety of the moment. Failure to work through your emotions in the moment, however, will lead to more unresolved issues in the future for you to fixate on, pulling you away from yet another precious, real-time moment. Find peace with everything, as it is, for what it is, and live your life with that mindset. It will bring more peace to your life than any other sustainable mindset.

If you're struggling to even find the moment. Here are a few tips you can try to help get you there.

Music - If you're not too distracted, something as easy as turning on the radio can be enough to get you into the moment.

Meditation - If you find it difficult to shut your mind down, my advice to you would be; to close your eyes and chase the darkness in the galaxies that dance behind your eyelids. Focusing on nothing but the darkness until everything else fades away.

Sensory - Your senses are there for your benefit. So, use 'em! Take in the view, sounds, and vibes of your surroundings. Get in touch with the feel of nature.. the energy of the world around you...

Sounds - Focus on hearing the background noises around you. Birds or cars in the distance, trees blowing, the wind itself. If you're inside, maybe a clock on the wall ticking, an appliance running. Block out the loud stuff and focus intently on finding the faint noises. This can be one of the most effective ways to find the moment when it's exceptionally hard.

Touch - Can you feel the clothes you're wearing? How do they feel against your skin? Can you feel a breeze? We're often oblivious to little things like this. Numb over time by their "irrelevance" in a busy mind.

This practice isn't necessarily going to be easy, especially as you first start out. It does get easier and easier over time though. Eventually, it becomes a subconscious "natural" way of being, rather than a cycle of returning yourself to the moment each time you slip back to the past or start fixating on the future. Don't give up on yourself.

The past is the past, and no amount of dwelling can ever change it. The future will always be there, address it when the time comes. Focus fully on the present, and don't miss another moment of your life.

The "Present Moment," is very fitting, as each moment truly is a gift.

Don't let them get away from you.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

The 5 Stages of Abandonment

Whether formed in childhood, or through life experiences, abandonment is something that affects just about everyone, and in different ways.

Understanding what is happening is the first step to coping with and overcoming your individual abandonment "issues."

The following are the #5StagesOfAbandonment:

Note, the stage lengths vary greatly depending on the individual. Some can last weeks, months, or even years..

1. Shattering: This is the first stage that comes as soon as you receive the initial shock of the act itself. (Your lover informs you they are leaving, a loved one passes away, a close friend says they are moving away, etc.) Your sense of identity has been rocked, and with that comes a variation of feelings, like, pain, shock, hopelessness, and panic, to name a few. Suppressed, old feelings, will resurface at this time, triggered by the new similar experience.

Due to feelings of overwhelming despair, suicidal thoughts are very common during this temporary period.

2. Withdrawal: Just like a drug or alcohol withdrawal, you crave the connection you are now missing. You yearn and ache to have it back, fueled by the strong human instinct of attachment. The loss actually temporarily intensifies our need for connection. Redirected correctly, this energy can be life-changing.

Inability to sleep, fatigue, weight changes, and anxiety are common symptoms of this stage.

3. Internalizing: This is the stage that can be very damaging long term, if not addressed correctly. During this stage, there's a tendency to turn the anger towards your partner inward and critique yourself and all the things you "could have done differently." You begin to belittle yourself and end up idealizing the person who abandoned you. You believe them when they say it was your fault and agonize over regrets.

It's most important to maintain your sense of self through this process. Remember, this experience doesn't change who you are as a person.

This is the stage where you begin to develop a whole new sense of self. Make sure it's an accurate one.

4. Rage: This stage won't be the first time you encounter anger, but initially it was useless "victim rage." In the 4th stage, your sense of self is tired of the beat down and is finally ready to fight back. This rage is of the far healthier, empowering kind. Fueled by your natural survival instinct, this rage comes to defend and solidify your new sense of self.

Be mindful not to let it get directed inward, in a sort of "agitated depression" but instead use it to fuel achieving the new life you desire and deserve.

5. Lifting: As your anger helps direct your energy outward, you begin to emerge into this new life with a sense of fullness and freedom. You feel your soul lifting to new heights as you transcend through and grow wiser from your journey through life's lessons.

Everything is as it should be, and everything happens for a reason. One far greater than our minds can currently comprehend.

The first letter of each of the stages spells out S.W.I.R.L. Like the endless swirl of a cyclone, our grief process is never-ending. A continuous cycle of highs and lows. However, with the right mindset and determination, you can make the length of the low points a lot shorter.

These feelings are very normal and completely natural. In fact, absolutely everyone should feel them to some extent, and in their own way. It's an instinctual human (living) need for connection, that evolved with us to ensure our species' survival.

We may not be able to control Mother Nature, but we can control our mindset while Mother Nature runs her course.

Find and embrace your most important connection, to self. It's the connection that will bring you more fulfillment and joy than any other connection in the universe. It will also never abandon you.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

What is BPD?

So, what is Borderline Personality Disorder anyway?

According to the #DSM (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Borderline Personality Disorder is "a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion, as well as marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.” Diagnosed in those with 5 or more of the following symptoms:

Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. - A borderline has an extreme fear of abandonment, which can be real or perceived. This could be someone leaving their life for good, or something as simple as emotional dismissal. Leading them to believe the person doesn't truly care for them and will inevitably leave sooner or later.

A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships, characterized by extremes between idealization and devaluation. - This can be an intimate relationship, immediate family, close friends, co-workers, etc. New relationships start out passionately but then start to roller coaster from one extreme to another. A person with #BPD generally sees things as either "all good" or "all bad," with no middle ground. They often swing from extreme love and idealization to extreme dislike or devaluation. This can be with a new lover, friend, or even job. This is known as #Splitting.

Identity disturbance with markedly or persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. - This is a distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self. Things like goals, behavior, and beliefs can change frequently. It's a constant, often subconscious feeling of not knowing who you are. There's a general discontentment of not knowing how to live because they don't really know what they even like.

Impulsive behavior in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (ex. spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, etc.) - A person with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder has a tendency to act this way as a way to relieve whatever the emotion is that's overwhelming them at the time. It only serves as a bandaid though, and they are left picking up the pieces of their impulsive behavior after each episode.

Recurrent suicidal threats or behavior, or self-harming behavior. - often shown through behaviors like cutting. This generally isn't a suicide attempt, but more an attempt to physically "let out" their internal pain. #Suicide attempts can sometimes be a cry for help but can be extremely dangerous as many have actually died not intending to. However, often it's not a cry for help, but that they don't actually see that there's any other option to cure the constant pain they are in.

Emotional instability in everyday life (ex. intense sadness, irritability, or anxiety generally lasting a few hours, and less often, up to a few days) - Defined as the tendency to experience rapid and intense mood swings that are difficult to control. Moods fluctuate intensely, and go from one extreme to another, triggered by things around them, or moments in a conversation. It's very hard to tell what the next trigger will be, as the person with #BPD often doesn't even realize what their triggers are.

Chronic feelings of emptiness - This is experienced as a feeling of numbness and "nothingness" so to speak. It's a feeling of disconnection from both self and others. It's also associated with feelings of purposelessness and unfulfillment. Like, "there's nothing inside me, I'm a hollow shell." A person with #BPD will try to fill the empty space with other things, such as another person, purchases, etc. They have a need to feel whole and look to the world to complete them.

Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights) - This usually involves screaming and yelling, but it can sometimes even get physical. It can be sudden and very intense, and it leaves those close to them on edge, "walking on eggshells" all the time. The person with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder doesn't enjoy acting this way anymore that the people around them enjoy being around it.

Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. - This is a feeling of extreme paranoia that everyone, even those they think they are close to, are out to get them, or conspiring against them in some way. They have difficulty trusting due to fear of people's intentions, hear negative voices, and can even be seen as psychotic and delusional.

Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder can be done by a licensed mental health specialist and the process includes a thorough interview of the patient, research on previous medical evaluations, and sometimes even talking with the individual's friends and family.

#BorderlinePersonalityDisorder is classified as a "Chronic" disorder. Which in regards to illness, means persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

DSM symptom criteria was developed by a team of psychologists and psychiatrists considered to be experts in BPD. It's based on the best research available at the time, however, the symptom criteria may be refined if new research findings ever call for it. The latest version of the DSM was released in 2013, and the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder remained the same in it as it did in the previous version.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (#APA), Borderline Personality Disorder is nearly that of #Schizophrenia and #BiPolar Disorder combined.

BPD is estimated to affect about 1.4% of the United States adult population. That's a little over 4.5 million people in just the U.S. and it appears to be on the rise.

Roughly 3 out of 4 of the individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder are women. New research however is showing that men have been commonly misdiagnosed, leading it to seem like it's more prevalent in women when in reality it's about equal. BPD shares a lot of symptoms with other disorders, and men tend to be more on the internalized side when it comes to their emotions. So, they've commonly been diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD instead.

History of BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder became officially diagnosable after being added to the DSM in 1980. However, this is far from when it started affecting people.

Progression of Borderline Personality diagnosis:

1938: Adolph Stern lists most of the diagnosis criteria and calls the group of people affected “the borderline group.”

1941: Gregory Zilboorg describes the disorder as a mild version of schizophrenia.

1942: Helene Deutsch defines a type of people dependent on others' personalities as having an “as-if personality.”

1940's: Robert Knight introduces ego psychology and describes patients as being in “borderline states.”

1967: Otto Kernberg defines boundaries between psychotic and neurotic, and places “borderline personality” in the middle.

1968: Roy Grinker does the first research on borderline personality disorder.

1975: John Gunderson publishes research to help diagnose BPD.

1980: BPD is included in the DSM-III.

1993: Marsha Linehan introduces Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an effective treatment.

1994: DSM-IV is published, further defining the symptoms of BPD required for diagnosis.

2008: The U.S. House of Representatives declares May as the National Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month.

2013: DSM-V is published, criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder remains the same.

Current: Research continues

Before being fully recognized as its own disorder, BPD was thought of as a sort of catchall for those who didn't fall into the categories set for other disorders. Such as bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorder. It was thought to exist on the border between psychotic and neurotic behavior. Leading to a name most can agree is not very fitting for a disorder that affects emotions, moods, and relationships. I myself didn't even understand my own diagnosis in my early adult years due to the misleading name. However, it does commonly overlap with other disorders. In fact, 85% of those diagnosed with #BPD have a comorbid disorder. The wide range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person, serve to further complicate the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, #BPD is a rather common disorder; with over 3 million cases each year, in the United States alone.

Even after being defined, Borderline Personality Disorder carried a negative stigma that it was untreatable and those diagnosed with it are often viewed very negatively for it.

There are many myths that still exist about the treatment of BPD and the diagnosis itself. Most notably that it's untreatable. While the treatment itself may be in-depth, the notion that it's untreatable is simply not true.

DBT therapy holds the title for the most success with BPD patients.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

BPD and Memory Loss

Is there a connection between #MemoryLoss and #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder?

While patients with BPD showed regular results when tested in verbal and nonverbal ways, a significant amount of them reported problems with memory in their everyday lives.

#BPD is clinically characterized by emotionally unstable and impulsive cognitive behavior, and current theories emphasize the disruptive potential of negative emotion on cognition.

(cognition - the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.)

A recent study found that the verbal memory of patients with BPD was normal when no distractions or neutral distractions were presented. However, their performance was impaired when negative distractions were introduced.

Pre-clinical investigation showed patients with BPD displayed enhanced retrograde and anterograde #amnesia when presented with negative stimuli. Positive stimuli, however, caused no negative effects. These results suggest the potential of emotion-induced cognitive dysfunction in individuals with #BPD.

One cognitive domain where interference with emotion can be characterized is episodic or autobiographical memory. Autobiographical being, a high-valued memory containing knowledge about the self. Episodic being conscious recollections of personal experiences including details like when and where they happened.

Studies have also revealed amygdala–hippocampal interactions during emotional episodic memory encoding, with hippocampal circuits being modulated by amygdala input.

(The amygdala is specialized for input and processing of emotion, while the hippocampus is essential for declarative or episodic memory.)

Currently, experiments are being conducted focusing on emotion-induced amnesia and hypermnesia as a potential cognitive index of hyperarousal-dyscontrol syndrome in BPD.

Hyperarousal is one of the main symptoms of #PTSD. It occurs when a person’s body suddenly kicks into high alert as a result of thinking about past trauma. Even if real danger is not present, their body acts as if it is, causing lasting stress.

Lack of emotional equilibrium is a common symptom of many psychiatric conditions, especially #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder. Stemming from this, another common symptom is dissociation, which includes symptoms of memory loss for periods of time, detachment from the self, depersonalization, derealization, distorted perceptions, and a blurred sense of identity.

Personally, I feel like it's also just hard to remember things clearly when you're rarely living in the present moment. Due to the distraction of overwhelming thoughts and emotions, those with BPD endure most of the time.

Conclusion:

Borderline Personality Disorder is, at its root, ill-formed thought patterns. When you have emotional reactions the way individuals with BPD do, they are so overwhelming that you naturally attempt to safeguard yourself from it. Recalling past negative experiences isn't pleasant for anyone, particularly those with BPD. So, in response to this, the subconscious mind attempts to block out negative memories rather than relive them later. This overtime turns into a malfunction in one's memory encoding when negative emotions are present.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

BPD and C-PTSD

There are quite a few similarities between the two, however, there are several clear differences.

Borderline Personality Disorder (#BPD) is very complex, and it affects each person differently. However, emotional instability, feelings of emptiness, poor sense of self, erratic behavior, and fear of abandonment are some of the common symptoms.

Cronic-PTSD symptoms include low self-worth, intense fear, shame, and sadness, as well as flashbacks to past trauma. Unlike #PTSD which is "fear" based, #CPTSD is "shame" based. It is believed to develop after long-term exposure to trauma; commonly diagnosed to those who survive childhood abuse, or domestic violence. It stems from the feeling of being unable to escape the trauma, heightened by dependency on the cause of it. (ex. parent, working partner, etc.)

Overlapping Symptoms

Individuals with either disorder struggle with their identity, "sense of self" and or low-self worth. It can show itself differently depending on the disorder as those with BPD struggle more with their "sense of self," and those with C-PTSD, struggle with a lower level of self-worth.

Both disorders usually share a traumatic past. This usually leads to a multitude of triggers that cause reactions such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, dissociation, and flashbacks.

Emotional distress is another shared symptom of #BPD and #CPTSD. Though it generally stems from a different source, the result is the same; just like in their struggles to develop healthy relationships.

Differences

Fear of Abandonment is prevalent in those with Borderline Personality Disorder but is very uncommon in those with C-PTSD. Individuals with C-PTSD have a more internalized fear in relationships. That fear being, that they are damaged and unlovable. They can even feel like they deserved the pain they've suffered and believe they are actually unworthy of love and happiness.

It's common for an individual with #CPTSD to steer away from interpersonal relationships altogether, out of fear. While someone with #BPD craves them.

Self-harm is rather common in #BPD, however, it's very rare in those with #CPTSD

Both disorders struggle with emotional regulation, however, Borderline's are more likely to have emotional outbursts such as crying or intense shows of anger. While those with C-PTSD are more likely to experience emotional numbing, or detachment.

Conclusion

Even with all the research and criteria available today, there are so many similarities and overlaps that it gets complicated distinguishing symptoms that are exclusive to one or a combination of multiple disorders. Furthermore, an individual can be dually diagnosed with #BPD and #CPTSD.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

What is Quiet BPD?

Quiet BPD refers to those who meet the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis but don't match the standard profile. Typical #BPD usually includes displays of anger and outward self-destruction. #QuietBPD however is when those symptoms are internalized. A person with Quiet BPD will turn their feelings inward and become very self-destructive in ways that they hope others aren't able to notice.

Quiet BPD is often misdiagnosed due to its lack of classic BPD symptoms. It can be misdiagnosed as depression, autism, or social anxiety to name a few. BPD is generally thought of as angry and explosive, however, those with Quiet BPD are silently hurting.

Individuals with Quiet BPD often struggle with relationships as well as challenging life events. It's difficult to develop real connections with others, and relationships are often ended prematurely by either the individual with BPD changing their view of the new person or the new person's intimidation of their extreme emotions causes them to distance themselves.

What Causes Quiet BPD

Quiet BPD is caused mainly by the same risk factors that cause regular Borderline Personality Disorder. Family History, childhood abuse, abandonment, or neglect to name a few. A child that was constantly led to believe they were in the way may be more likely to start internalizing things. It's the personality of the individual developing BPD that determines if they will express their emotions inward or outward. Those who express it internally being those with Quiet BPD.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

Risk Factors for Developing BPD

It can be entirely biological, which isn't exactly avoidable. However, it can also stem from childhood trauma, abuse, or significant time in an invalidating environment.

The main cause is a combination of two things.

1 - Biological Vulnerability - about 50% is caused by this. If you have a directly related relative with it, you're about 10 times more likely to develop it.

2 - Coming from an Invalidating Environment. Even the greatest of parents... Not knowing how to handle a child with it will inevitably cause harm. The BEST thing you can do is educate yourself on how to help the child. They don't know how to regulate their emotions and need your help to figure it out..

Criticism, however, can cause them to subconsciously try to ignore their emotions entirely, seeing them as "always wrong" or "always leading them to trouble." This causes what's known as dissociation. (blank... empty.. nothing.. )

Not everybody has both of these. Your chances just go up significantly if you are exposed to these things.

It Can Be Completely Biological

Studies have shown changes in areas of the brain that are involved in emotional regulation, aggression, and impulsivity; as well as certain brain chemicals that assist in mood regulation, like serotonin, may not function correctly. Researchers believe that many people with Borderline Personality Disorder have an issue with the neurotransmitters in their brain, especially serotonin. Altered serotonin levels have been linked to aggression, depression, and make it harder to control destructive urges.

Researchers are working on ways to help prevent this.. Early and intense intervention is key!

MRI scans use magnetic fields along with radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. When MRIs were done on patients with BPD, they found 3 parts of the brain that had unusual levels of activity or were smaller altogether than someone without the disorder.

The 3 parts were:

the amygdala – plays an important role in regulating emotions, especially more "negative" ones, like fear, anxiety, and aggression

the hippocampus – helps regulate self-control and behavior

the orbitofrontal cortex – used in planning and decision making

Early upbringing affects the development of these parts of the brain. They are responsible for mood regulation and might account for some of the issues those with BPD often have in personal relationships. One's relationship with their family has a huge influence on how they end up seeing the world and determines how they view others.

Environmental Factors

Many people with Borderline Personality Disorder report a history of physical and or sexual abuse as a child as well as neglect. Others lost a parent or were separated from them at a young age. Some were exposed to hostile home lives or unstable family relationships.

Unresolved emotions from childhood can lead to multiple distorted thinking patterns as an adult. For example, idealization, feeling like a child around other adults, expecting others to parent, or even bully you.

Most people experience some sort of "inconveniences" throughout life. But prolonged exposure to these things is what can lead to the development of Borderline Personality Disorder. Traumatic life events, abandonment, adversity, instability, invalidation, fear, distress, .. Whatever it may be, it has to last long enough to create a subconscious thought pattern.

The upside is, thought patterns can be corrected!

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

What is DBT Therapy?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (#DBT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy that tries to identify and then change negative thinking patterns while pushing for positive behavior changes.

It is also the most successful #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder treatment.

There are four parts of DBT Therapy:

Individual Psychotherapy

Skills Training

In-The-Moment Coaching / Crisis Therapy in between sessions

Group Treatment

What does it mean?

"D" - Dialectical, means "relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions" and "concern with or acting through opposing forces."

In DBT, dialectical practices help the therapist and the client find common ground on extreme subjects.

"B" - Behavioral, meaning, "the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others."

DBT requires a behavioral approach. Meaning, it targets behaviors relevant to the particular patient's goals and needs.

"T" - Therapy, being"treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder."

What is it for?

The focus of DBT is acceptance and change. Two opposites, that when brought together bring far better results than either can alone. Acceptance of patients' experiences to help change thought patterns, emotions, and reactions formed by them.

#DBT was originally created to treat women with suicidal thoughts and those with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder. However, it has since been adapted to treat other mental health issues. Such as #Depression, #ADHD, Mood and Eating Disorders, as well as #PTSD.

How Does It Work?

#DialecticalBehavioralTherapy focuses on four ways to improve life skills.

Distress Tolerance - being able to feel intense emotions, like anger, without reacting impulsively, using self-harm, or substance abuse.

Emotional Regulation - being able to recognize, properly label, and adjust emotions.

Mindfulness - becoming more aware of self and others as well as the present moment.

Interpersonal Effectiveness - properly navigating conflict and interacting assertively.

There are four stages to the approach as well.

Stage 1: Treats the most self-destructive behavior. (ex. suicide or self-injury)

Stage 2: Address life skills, like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Stage 3: Works on improving self-esteem and relationships.

Stage 4: Focuses on relationship connections and finding happiness.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

What is Splitting in BPD

#Splitting is defined as the action of dividing or being divided into parts.

People with BPD often times see themselves, others, beliefs, situations, and even objects as very black and white. Usually, very suddenly, they will start seeing whatever it is as either "all good" or "all bad" with no gray area.

Typically triggered by a situation that a person with BPD takes an extreme emotional response to. The situation can seem rather ordinary, like an argument, or maybe having to take a business trip.

People with #BPD often experience emotional instability and fear of abandonment. Splitting is a defense, developed subconsciously, as an attempt to cope with these feelings and fears. This is commonly developed in people who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or trauma early in life.

As a defense, they can quickly cut off communication with someone they think may abandon them. They experience rapidly changing feelings about the person. Going from intense love and closeness to intense anger and dislike. They switch from idealization to devaluation.

Often the #trigger involves separation, even minor, from someone they feel close to, sparking fear of abandonment.

People with BPD oftentimes have a history of intense and unstable relationships. They can perceive someone as a friend one day and an enemy the next.

They have difficulty trusting others and have irrational fears about their intentions. Always thinking everyone is out to get them one way or another.

Splitting makes it easier to manage the emotions they are feeling, though it can seem contradictory on the surface.

Identifying a Splitting Episode

The easiest way to identify #Splitting is through language. The person with BPD will start using extreme words to describe themselves, others, or things surrounding the situation.

Examples of extreme words can be: "Always" or "Never"

"All" or "Nothing"

"Perfect" or "Terrible"

If what they start saying goes to one extreme or the other, with no middle ground, you're likely dealing with a #SplittingEpisode.

#Splitting is a subconscious attempt to prevent anxiety and safeguard the ego.

What To Do During An Episode

It may be difficult, but try to remember that #splitting is a symptom of #BPD. Try not to take what they say or do personally. Remember that they aren't intentionally trying to hurt you; splitting is done unknowingly.

Be conscious of how you respond to them. Try to stay calm. If you're struggling, take a moment to calm down before you finish the conversation. Try to see things from their perspective. Though it may not be rational, they still have, very real, emotions to contend with. Validation of these emotions can go a long way in helping to calm down a person with #BPD. Let them know you understand why they could feel this way, and reassure them that it's not actually as severe as it seems right now. Let them know they are heard and you care.

Not all people with #BPD will express themselves in destructive, or violent ways. However, some do. So, it's a good idea to set healthy boundaries, ahead of time. Let them know the kinds of behaviors that you won't tolerate, and stick to them. Things like throwing stuff and violence can't be tolerated. If it gets to this point, walk away from the situation until it can be finished in a calm manner.

Coping Long-Term

The best thing to do is to seek long-term treatment. It can be highly beneficial for not only the person with #BPD but for those close to them as well. A professional can help develop coping mechanisms to calm down their intense emotions and help those around keep theirs in check so they aren't unnecessarily or unknowingly adding to the intensity of the situation. It can also help improve their perspective on events in their life that led to the development of the disorder itself. It's all thought patterns that have formed over time, and thoughts can be retrained.

If you aren't ready for professional assistance, it's still highly beneficial to learn as much as you can about #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder. The more you can understand about why you or your loved one is acting the way they are, the easier it will be to handle the rough stuff when it inevitably arises.

Another thing you can do is get to know what you or your loved one's triggers are. If you know what's causing it, it's a lot easier to not only avoid the triggers, but it's a starting point for the person with #BPD to work through the pent-up emotions they have surrounding them.

It can be difficult but coping with #Splitting is possible.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

Helpful Habits For Someone Living With BPD

Daily Habits you can start developing now!

Borderline Personality Disorder is treatable! You're not stuck, and you're not alone! #RecoveredBorderline

For those who suffer from, or are close to someone who suffers from #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder (#BPD) you know how sporadic emotions can be.

Here are some useful tricks to help yourself (or your loved one) through the next inevitable rough patch.

#Practice is key, and over time you can learn to #control your emotions easier and easier!

Breathing

Let's start with the obvious. #Breathing

Take a deep breath, focusing on how cool the air feels on your nose as you inhale. Hold for a moment and slowly exhale. While exhaling, visualize any negative energy (anxiety, anger, fear, etc.) leaving your body; the slow extended exhale carrying it far away from you.

Repeat this several times making sure to relax the muscles in your body with each breath. As your body relaxes, your emotions should shortly follow, at least to a degree.

Meditation

If you find breathing techniques helpful, #Meditation could open up a whole new world for you! With reduced stress and anxiety as two of its many benefits, it's a good option to explore. Increased, focus and control are two more top-ranking benefits. This can be extremely beneficial to a Borderline, as it helps you practice control in all things, as a way of life. The longer you practice, the easier it will become. (Hopefully second nature soon! Fingers Crossed :)

Music

My personal favorite! #Music

I find it so easy to get lost in the melody, or lyrics of a song. I have a playlist that drives my family insane. I, to an extent, get addicted to the emotional high that comes from listening to my favorite tunes.

This might not be the same for everyone.. but I highly recommend you give it a try! Turn on one of your favorites and just relax and try to "feel" the music.

#Music is my personal FAVORITE form of "medicine!"

Ground Yourself

I came across a technique known as 5-4-3-2-1, and I think it's a great technique for anyone, borderline or not!

It's a very simple 5 steps, that help to calm building emotions by "distracting" ALL of your senses with things in the present moment.

As a species, we live in the past and future more often than we live in the present. So often actually, that we don't even realize we are doing it most of the time.

Dwelling on the past, no matter how much, will never change it; and dreaming about the future will not achieve you anything (except discontentment.) Unless you put those dreams into action in the present.

Here are the steps!

5: Acknowledge 5 things around you.

This could be anything. A window, a piece of furniture, a flower

When noticing things around you, try to pick things that bring joy to you; every little bit helps! (bright colors etc, take note of what YOU love in EVERYTHING, ALL THE TIME!)

4: Touch 4 things around you.

Your hair, a pillow, a pet

3: Notice 3 sounds you hear around you.

A clock, a bird, an ac unit

2: Notice 2 things you can smell.

Take a little walk if you need to.

Soaps, Nature, Fabric

1: Notice a taste.

Gum, mints, maybe a hint of what you had for lunch.

Practicing this will help you in many aspects of life. After all, the past and future are determined by the present.

Distract Yourself

If you need something a little more drastic, try holding ice in your hand, or putting a cold damp cloth on your neck.

Asking Siri to tell you a joke might not be the best way to make you laugh, but if you have a funny instance that makes you laugh every time you think about it, try that! (even faking a smile can start to turn things around!)

Ride It Out

When all else fails... Ride it out!

Yes, people with #BPD have emotions that last longer than the average person, however, nothing lasts forever! Remind yourself that this feeling IS temporary, and whatever you do now, you will have to live with, when it passes.

Recall a time when you did something you immediately regretted due to an uncontrollable emotion. Remember how it felt living with your actions, and let that help you to not do anything too hasty when you are feeling like you might be losing control.

Do Something for Someone Else

Another favorite of mine..

Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Selfless concern for others also releases endorphins, triggering what's known as a “helper's high.”

#Kindness, in general, is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. It also produces oxytocin, which lowers your stress levels, risk of illness, and can even prolong the length of your life!

Exercise/Eat Right

A healthy diet can help make the emotional ups and downs of #BPD less frequent and intense. It can also reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Sugary foods are known to increase emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiousness; the opposite of what we're trying to do here.

Also ask yourself if you're actually hungry, or if you're just reaching for some emotional support food. If it's the latter, try reaching for something else instead. Maybe a good book, or the radio dial!

Therapy

Seeking treatment isn't always the easiest thing for a #Borderline to do. We can tell ourselves we don't need it, we will figure it out ourselves, or wonder what people will think if I'm "admitting I'm a certified crazy" by having a therapist.

If you feel it's something you'd like to try, statistics show a lot of people find some relief within their first year. However, I'd recommend you don't stop treatment as soon as you see improvement. You want to make sure your new habits are firmly rooted in your everyday life before you "go at it alone." Having family and friends that are well informed on how to help you keep progressing is invaluable!

Thank you for sharing your time with me..

I hope you have a WONDERFUL day!

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

The Benefits of Borderline Personality Disorder

Yep, there are benefits! It's not all bad..

The intense and "irrational" symptoms of someone with #BPD are met with extreme happiness, great imagination, and an ability to empathize with others that is second to none.

Considered to be an impairment of the way a person thinks, a person with BPD not only faces the struggles of the condition itself but the stigma surrounding the diagnosis. The majority of the information available regarding BPD makes the person with the condition sound very manipulative, uncontrollable, impulsive, crazy, and most importantly, unfixable. This couldn't be farther from the truth.

With this, they often face discrimination and isolation from those who simply don't understand the disorder.

To explain. On a scale of 1-100. 1 being no emotion, and 100 being an unbearable amount. The average person starts their day at an emotional level of about 20. A person with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder starts their day at about 80. So, when faced with the same situation that adds (let's say 25) to their emotional level, the average person is around 45. While the person with BPD is raised to 105, now past the unbearable level.

They now have the emotions to contend with, along with being self-aware, knowing their emotions, and inevitable actions have never matched those of anybody around them.

Try to imagine the last time your emotions were to an unbearable level, now imagine that your reactions to those emotions caused an even bigger issue. This is the daily life of a person with BPD.

People with BPD have to be strong, and resilient to fight the constant battle with their internal pain and deal with the world around them. They develop quite a few skills to allow them to do this, as a means of survival. And due to the higher emotional level, people with BPD experience remarkably rich and intense lives filled with both highs and lows. Higher than the highest of highs and lower than the lowest of lows of most other people.

Here's a list of the upsides of BPD!

Resilience - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. #Bordrelines have to bounce back from emotional rollercoasters every day of their life. I'd say they are just about born with this skill.

Very Intuitive, High Awareness Level, Instinctive - People with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder subconsciously mirror the emotions of the people around them. Being able to do this on a subconscious level, they have a very high and instinctive level of awareness of the people around them. (Not to say they never misread those around them. This is quite common actually.) They are also very aware of themselves and constantly wonder how their actions will affect someone else's emotions. This comes from the suppressed desire for someone else to do the same thing for them.

Lively, Spontaneous - Borderlines can be very sporadic, but this can be a good thing if controlled. Don't you wish you had the nerve to "just go do it" sometimes? Wherever, or whatever it may be that's tugging at you. A borderline will enthusiastically find a way to make it happen, or just fly by the seat of their pants and figure it out as they go.

Loyal, Intense, & Passionate - People with #BPD are extremely loyal and passionate in their relationships. Their fear of abandonment causes them to go above and beyond to hold onto the people they don't want to leave them. (not to say they can't #split on these people.. more on that another time)

Empathy - A large number of studies have shown enhanced empathy in individuals with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder. The information has been around for quite some time actually.

This is a good quality to have to an extent, but it comes at a hefty price to someone with #BPD. A borderline is constantly concerned about the emotions of others, and generally mirrors the emotion of whoever is around them. They often subconsciously overdo things for others that they wish others would do for them.

Humble, Appreciative - Lacking a real sense of self leads to low self-worth. This results in most people with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder being extremely humble and appreciative of just about everything anyone does for them, believing they don't deserve anything at all. Even though they overdo for others, it's extremely difficult for a #Borderline to ask something of someone else. It's far easier to just do without or figure it out themselves than to ask someone else (other than maybe a very close friend or family member) for it or to do whatever it may be.

Alluring, Interesting - There are stories referring to people with BPD as “sirens.” Their extreme awareness of others' emotions can easily make someone feel extremely important, safe, and comfortable with them.

High Pain Tolerance - unfortunately, heightened during moments of self-harm mainly.

When you're happy, you're HAPPY!!!

Those with #BPD are often referred to as "easily amused." Compared to the "average" person this could definitely be the case, as they are able to see the good, or find the joy in the smallest, often most random things!

In conclusion, I hope you allow the next #Borderline you encounter to bring more than a stereotype to mind. They are individuals, each with their own story, thoughts, and emotions. Give them a chance to show you who they are, and come to your conclusion about them based on that. You just might find they bring a lot of excitement and joy to your life!

Thank you for sharing your time with me..

I hope you have a WONDERFUL day!

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

You're Not Alone Living with BPD

One of the hardest feelings to live with as someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, is the feeling that no one understands you, that you are different from the rest of the world somehow and that your feelings aren't "normal."

I'm here to tell you, you're not alone.

Borderline Personality Disorder affects between 1.6% & 6% of the United States population. Almost 3/4 of those affected are women. Even at 1.6%, that is still roughly 5 and million people. At 6% that's over 20 million people suffering from a disorder that our heath care systems often times refuse to even acknowledge as a diagnoses.

BPD effects 1.6% to 6% of the Unites States Population. That's 5.5 to 20 MILLION people.

Roughly 1.6% of the population is actually diagnosed with #BPD. However, it's likely that the number is closer to 6% and just hasn't been diagnosed, for multiple reasons. BPD is commonly misdiagnosed as depression, bi-polar disorder, and PTSD, especially in males. There for the diagnosed population is roughly 75% females.

Another reason the number of cases is lower than it seems to actually be is due to our mental health care systems lack of knowledge about the disorder.

You Can Beat BPD!

In a 10 year study, researchers have found that with the right treatment, 85% - 93% of Borderline's achieved remission to a no longer diagnosable level. That's not to say that they don't still struggle with mental health problems, as it takes 5 or more symptoms to be/remain diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. If an individual has 4 of the symptoms, they aren't classified as a borderline anymore, however would still need treatment for the remaining symptoms. It just goes to show that the symptoms can be overcome. Some are just harder than others, and this can very from person to person.

Emotional Regulation does tend to be the hardest one to over come as our emotional responses are a subconscious, programmed reaction. The longer we live with them a certain way, the harder it is to retrain the brain to react another way.

The Amygdala is the part of the bran responsible for emotional reaction and regulation. Studies have shown a higher activation of the amygdala in borderlines with exposed to negative stimuli.

Support for Borderlines

I recommend looking into local support groups for Borderline Personality Disorder. Along with personal therapy, group therapy can be highly beneficial as it connects you with others that think and feel the same way you do. One of the most healing feelings I've felt is when I learned that I'm not alone in this.

If there is not a group available in your area, a close alternative would be finding one online. There are an abundance of them through social media, etc. that you can join. Just be mindful when selecting one (or more) as you want to make sure you are connecting with people that will be beneficial to your recovery.

Group Therapy, in person or online, is a wonderful tool to connect you with others that think and feel the way you do.

Thank you for sharing your time with me today.

-Borderline Brooke

[borderlinebrooke-bpd]

9 Symptoms of BPD

If you're thinking you may have #BPD or know someone who might, here are the 9 symptoms that are used to diagnose BorderlinePersonalityDisorder.

A person with 5 or more would qualify for the diagnosis.

1. Fear Of Abandonment:

A borderline has an extreme fear of abandonment, which can be real or perceived. This could be someone leaving their life for good, or something as simple as emotional dismissal. Leading them to believe the person doesn't truly care for them and will inevitably leave sooner or later.

They will constantly try to prepare for the abandonment, oftentimes triggering it with their irrational behavior.

Fear of abandonment usually stems from severe trauma or loss. There are other theories behind why it occurs, like cognitive and emotional development issues, past relationships, and childhood trauma.

#DBT therapy can be helpful in identifying triggers and managing the symptoms that most often lead to conflicts in relationships and fear of abandonment.

2. Unstable & Intense Interpersonal Relationships:

This can be an intimate relationship, immediate family, close friends, co-workers, etc.

New relationships start out passionately but then start to roller coaster from one extreme to another. A person with #BPD generally sees things as either "all good" or "all bad," with no middle ground. They often swing from extreme love and idealization to extreme dislike or devaluation. This can be with a new lover, friend, or even job. This is known as #Splitting.

Borderlines often dive headfirst into new relationships without much thought, and even less reservation. However, more often than not, something will happen (ex. an argument with a partner, criticism from a co-worker or boss, plans falling through, etc.) that causes them to switch their view on the person or situation from good to bad.

This is a defense. A person with #BPD will subconsciously develop ways to protect themself from future trauma. It's basically, "you showed me that you're capable of hurting me, so I'm going to go ahead and just hate you now, so you can't do that to me again."

That being said, #Borderlines crave relationships. So, they will continue to jump into them, whatever the form, causing a vicious cycle that ends up fueling their fear of abandonment.

People who suffer from BPD are extremely sensitive to rejection and tend to "overreact" when faced with it, Real or perceived, the emotion hurts the same. It can become so overwhelming that many give up on whatever they are doing at the moment. Sometimes they even destroy relationships or quit their jobs. It's extremely debilitating and holds significant consequences.

Being self-aware, they often know the consequences beforehand and still can't do anything to stop it.

3. Identity Disturbance:

This is a distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self. Things like goals, behavior, and beliefs can change frequently. It's a constant, often subconscious feeling of not knowing who you are. There's a general discontentment of not knowing how to live because they don't really know what they even like. Someone with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder will often times #mirror the traits of people around them. However, some will go so far as to change their name and identify as someone else entirely with defining traits of their own.

In a recent study, 4 identity disturbance factors were identified in BPD.

Role Absorption - Described as defining themselves by a single role or cause. Often taking on the interest of others and mirroring their behaviors, notably a #FavoritePerson or #FP

Painful Incoherence - The most distinguished in BPD, is a subjective sense of lack of coherence.

To explain, a Sense of Coherence or #SOC is "an adaptive dispositional orientation with the personality, that enables coping with adverse experiences." Meaning, their ability to understand the situation. The greater your understanding, the greater your ability to cope, and vice versa.

Inconsistency - This is an objective incoherence in thought, feeling, and behavior. Inconsistent, meaning, not staying the same throughout.

Lack of Commitment - Displayed in things such as jobs, morals, or goals.

Identity Disturbance, more so than many other symptoms, sets #BPD patients apart from those with other disorders. It's also prevalent in BPD patients that don't have a history of abuse.

4. Impulsivity:

Psychologically, #inpulsivity (or impulsiveness) is the tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the possible consequences.

Some examples could be substance abuse, binge eating, spending sprees, reckless driving, unprotected sex, etc.

A person with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder has a tendency to act this way as a way to relieve whatever the emotion is that's overwhelming them at the time. It only serves as a bandaid though, and they are left picking up the pieces of their impulsive behavior after each episode. All the while, it's just about impossible for them to stop themselves from the act in the first place, and knowing it will inevitably happen again. We just see that it feels better "right now."

Not only does their impulsive behavior negatively affect them, but the fallout also tends to land on those around them. This is yet another reason they struggle with relationships, of any kind.

Note: If these behaviors are primarily associated with a good mood or high energy level, it could be a sign of a mood disorder, rather than #BPD.

5. Recurrent Suicidal Behavior or Thoughts / Self Harm:

#SelfHarm is often shown through behaviors like cutting. This generally isn't a suicide attempt, but more an attempt to physically "let out" their internal pain.

#Suicide attempts can sometimes be a cry for help but can be extremely dangerous as many have actually died not intending to. However, often it's not a cry for help, but that they don't actually see that there's any other option to cure the constant pain they are in.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this, there are resources to help!

People with #BPD and those around them often think they are a lost cause, or nothing could ever "fix them" enough to live a normal life. This is simply NOT true!

There are lots of success stories out there if you're needing a little inspiration!

Give it a Google..

6. Affective Instability:

Defined as the tendency to experience rapid and intense mood swings that are difficult to control.

Moods fluctuate intensely over a short period of time, and go from one extreme to another, triggered by things around them, or moments in a conversation. It's very hard to tell what the next trigger will be, as the person with #BPD often doesn't even realize what their triggers are.

Emptional instability is a defining characteristic of #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder however it's not to be confused with #BiPolar Disorder. Someone with Bi-Polar will have mood shifts in a matter of days. A person with #BPD will have mood shifts in a matter of hours, sometimes minutes.

7. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness:

This is experienced as a feeling of numbness and "nothingness" so to speak. It's a feeling of disconnection from both self and others. It's also associated with feelings of purposelessness and unfulfillment. Like, "there's nothing inside me, I'm a hollow shell." A person with #BPD will try to fill the empty space with other things, such as another person, purchases, etc. They have a need to feel whole and look to the world to complete them.

Some examples of things that could cause this are, not having very many meaningful relationships, living or working in an invalidating environment, not having a clear sense of self. A majority of the time they feel unworthy or undeserving and don't believe they are important at all.

8. Inappropriate and Intense Shows of Anger:

This usually involves screaming and yelling, but it can sometimes even get physical. It can be sudden and very intense, and it leaves those close to them on edge, "walking on eggshells" all the time.

The person with #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder doesn't enjoy acting this way anymore that the people around them enjoy being around it. They are self-aware, though it may not seem like it. They will feel instant regret and fear that they may have triggered abandonment by whoever they got angry with. Then they will turn the anger on themselves for "being so stupid." All within a short period of time, hours, maybe even less.

You never really know what can be a trigger. A good way to put it would be that #Borderlines have really thin skin.

9. Transient Stress-Induced Paranoid Ideation:

This is a feeling of extreme paranoia that everyone, even those they think they are close to, are out to get them, or conspiring against them in some way. They have difficulty trusting due to fear of people's intentions, hear negative voices, and can even be seen as psychotic and delusional. It's dissociation, not to be confused with Dissociation Identity Disorder. It can be like a spell of amnesia. Where they have a very blurred sense of reality for a period of time; if they remember much of it at all. Feeling cut off from themselves, or even seeing themself from "outside their own body."

It can also be an overwhelming feeling that something very bad is about to happen.

-Borderline Brooke