Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

What is Borderline personality disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental condition characterized by intense and unstable emotions, impulsive behavior, distorted self-image, and unstable relationships. People with BPD often struggle with regulating their emotions and may experience intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, and feelings of emptiness. Treatment for BPD typically involves therapy and medication.

Physical Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Pain and Unease
It's possible for people with BPD to feel pain or discomfort in various body locations that doesn't make sense. This could involve pain in the joints, muscles, headaches, or abdomen. These symptoms may be the body's reaction to emotional stress, or they may be made worse by the person's increased awareness of their own body.

Tiredness and Sleep Issues
Two of the most common physical complaints among people with BPD are fatigue and sleep problems. Chronic tiredness can be worsened by sleep disorders including insomnia or hypersomnia, which makes it challenging for those with BPD to sustain steady energy levels throughout the day. Tiredness and fatigue can also be attributed to the emotional turmoil and stress that come with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Gastrointestinal problems
BPD sufferers may also physically have digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These symptoms can be brought on by an increased sensitivity to bodily feelings, or they might be connected to the effects of stress on the digestive system.
Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory symptoms like hyperventilation, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath might occur in certain BPD patients. Increased anxiety or panic attacks, which can result in physical sensations that resemble respiratory distress, may be linked to these symptoms.

Neurological Symptoms
BPD patients may also experience neurological symptoms as tingling, numbness, tremors, and dizziness. The person's increased sensitivity to bodily sensations and the body's stress reaction may be connected to these symptoms.
A thorough approach to treatment for individuals with BPD must understand and manage their bodily symptoms. Individuals can enhance their overall well-being by learning effective techniques to manage the emotional and physical components of their disease by collaborating with mental health professionals and healthcare providers.

Health Effects of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Feeling very worried about people abandoning you, and like you'd try very hard to stop that happening

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often intense fear of abandonment. This fear can be triggered by real or perceived threats of rejection or separation from loved ones. This is because individuals with BPD often struggle with regulating their emotions and have a heightened sensitivity to interpersonal cues. As a result, they may interpret even minor signs of disinterest or distance as a sign of impending abandonment.

Having intense emotions

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience emotions due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Research suggests that individuals with BPD have a heightened sensitivity to emotional stimuli, which can trigger intense emotional reactions. Additionally, individuals with BPD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to intense and often unpredictable mood swings.

Feeling insecure

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may insecure about themselves or their due to a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the fear of abandonment, which can lead to a constant need for reassurance and validation from others. Additionally, individuals with BPD may struggle with a sense of identity, leading to feelings of confusion and uncertainty about who they are as a person.

Finding it really hard to make and keep stable relationships

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) struggle with maintaining stable relationships due to their intense and unstable emotions, fear of abandonment, and difficulty with trust. These individuals may experience intense mood swings, impulsivity, and a tendency to idealize or devalue their partners, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings in relationships.

Feeling empty a lot of the time

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may empty all the time due to a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the difficulty they face in regulating their emotions, which can lead to a sense of emptiness or numbness. Additionally, individuals with BPD may struggle with a lack of identity or purpose, which can contribute to feelings of emptiness.

Acting impulsively and doing things that could harm you, such as binge eating, using drugs and alcohol, or driving dangerously

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) act impulsively due to their intense emotional experiences and difficulty regulating their emotions. Impulsive behaviours such as binge eating, using drugs and alcohol, or driving dangerously may provide temporary relief from emotional distress, but can also lead to negative consequences.

Using self-harm to manage your feelings or feeling suicidal

Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are common among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) they may use these behaviors to cope with intense emotional pain and distress. These behaviors may provide temporary relief from overwhelming emotions and help individuals feel a sense of control over their lives. However, it is important to seek professional help and learn healthier coping mechanisms to manage BPD symptoms in the long term.

Feeling intense anger, which can be difficult to control

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often intense anger due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons is their difficulty in regulating emotions, which can lead to a heightened sensitivity to perceived threats or rejection. Additionally, individuals with BPD may have a history of trauma or invalidation, which can contribute to feelings of anger and resentment. It's important seek professional help to learn healthy coping mechanisms and manage intense emotions.

Experiencing paranoia or dissociation in moments of extreme stress

People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may paranoia or dissociation due to their intense fear of abandonment and rejection. This fear can lead them to perceive threats where there are none, causing them to feel paranoid. Dissociation, on the other hand, is a coping mechanism that allows them to disconnect from overwhelming emotions or situations.

Ways to help Reduce Symptoms

Mindfulness meditation

Individuals with BPD can learn to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings, which will improve their ability to handle stress.
Deep breathing exercises

By triggering the body's relaxation response, calm, deep breaths can help relieve tension and stress.
Tensing and relaxing various muscle groups to relieve tension and encourage relaxation is known as progressive muscle relaxation.
Establishing a Routine

Establishing a regular schedule can help people with BPD by offering structure and predictability. A regimen that is well-organized could consist of the following

Regular sleep schedule

Setting a regular wake-up and bedtime will help prioritise sleep, which can help with stress reduction, mood regulation, and energy levels.

Diet

Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps improve mental and physical health as well as assist cognitive performance.

Physical activity

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as swimming, yoga, or walking, can boost general health, lower stress levels, and enhance mood. Practices of mindfulness: Including mindfulness practices like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation can help people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) control their emotions and stay in the present moment.

Building a Supportive Environment

Managing BPD symptoms may require establishing a supportive environment that encourages self-care and good practices.

Getting professional assistance

Consulting with primary care physicians, mental health specialists, and other experts can help manage BPD symptoms and resolve physical health issues. Developing a network of friends and relatives who are sympathetic to and understand the person's experience through support groups or other activities can help foster a feeling of community and lessen feelings of loneliness.

Setting limits

People with BPD can preserve healthy relationships and safeguard their emotional wellbeing by establishing boundaries with others.

Advice for Family and Friends

Be Patient

Avoid getting sucked into an argument in the heat of the moment if your loved one is having trouble controlling their emotions. It can be best to put off talking about things until after you both feel more at ease.

Don't Judge

If you don't know why someone is feeling or acting a specific way, it might be challenging. Especially when their responses appear irrational or distressing. However, keep in aware that you don't know what they are thinking and that there can be things occurring for them that you have no way to comprehend.

Be Calm

This will support them during times of conflict and help them feel more comfortable and supported if your loved one is dealing with a lot of overwhelming emotions. If you find yourself getting agitated or furious, try spending some time alone yourself or, if you can, taking a stroll.

Reminding them of their qualities

It might be comforting to tell someone you care about all the nice qualities you see in them when they are having trouble believing anything positive about themselves.

Boundaries

Establishing clear expectations and boundaries can have a significant impact. Establishing boundaries for each other and having calm, patient conversations about it can assist if your loved one is feeling uncomfortable about rejection or abandonment or appears anxious about being left alone.

Learning their triggers

When the person you are helping is feeling positive, find out from them how you can best support them through difficult times. Find out through conversation with your loved one what kinds of conversations or situations might cause them to feel uncomfortable. Being aware of their triggers may help you steer clear of sticky situations and feel better prepared for when they exhibit strong reactions.

Take care of yourself

It's important to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being. Remember that you can't control their behaviour, but you can control how you respond to it. Seek support from a therapist or support group to help you navigate this difficult situation.