Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that causes emotional instability, relationship problems, a low sense of self-worth, and fear of abandonment. Other common symptoms include problems managing anger and recurring self-harming or suicidal behaviors.
The negative or destructive behaviors of borderline personality disorder are intense. These behaviors occur over a long period of time. They often occur in combination with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. People with this disorder often have problems with substance use, gambling, or eating disorders.
There is no cure for borderline personality disorder. But symptoms are often treated with counseling and medicines such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Most people who are treated for borderline personality disorder do get better over time. But treatment can be difficult, and recovery can take years.
Everyone has problems with emotions or behaviors sometimes. But if you have borderline personality disorder, the problems are severe. They repeat over a long time and disrupt your life. The most common symptoms include:
It may seem that there is no one on your side. You might have been told that there is no hope. But just because you've heard this, that doesn't mean it's true. Getting medical treatment and taking care of yourself can really help.
When you start treatment, you will find health professionals who will help you. You will also meet others who have gone through what you are going through.
Long-term treatment can reduce symptoms and harmful behaviors. It can also help you manage your emotions better. Treatment may include:
There are things you can do to help yourself. Here are some tips:
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Self-care for borderline personality disorder includes healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. These habits can help reduce stress and anxiety. And they can help make your symptoms less severe and less frequent.
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that causes intense mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and severe problems with self-worth. It can lead to troubled relationships in every area of a person's life.
Most of the time, signs of the disorder first appear in childhood. But problems often don't start until early adulthood. Treatment can be hard, and getting better can take years. Problems with emotions and behaviors are hard to improve. But with treatment, most people with severe symptoms do get better over time.
Experts don't know exactly what causes borderline personality disorder. Problems with chemicals in the brain that help control moods may play a role. It also seems to run in families.
Often, people who get it faced some kind of childhood trauma such as abuse, neglect, or the death of a parent. The risk is higher when people who had childhood trauma also have problems coping with anxiety or stress.
Accepting that a loved one has a personality disorder can be hard. You may feel helpless. But there are things you can do to help. Show love, and learn as much as you can about the illness. Understand that the behavior you may see—which may include anger directed at you—is caused by the illness, not by the person you love.
Know when to get help. This disorder can cause a person to become angry, violent, or suicidal. Take these situations seriously. Call for help if you think the person may be in danger or may harm someone else.
Finding your own support is important too. Ask your local or state health department about local support organizations, or contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more information, go to www.nami.org.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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