9 symptoms of borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health disorder, affecting both genders and manifesting in early adulthood — impacting the individual’s personality by way of unstable intense relationships, distorted self-image, extreme impulsive emotions and irrational anger.
Per medical research the causes of BPD is unclear but it suggests that a few factors such as genetics, brain structure & function, cultural, social, and environmental factors play a role or sometimes increase the risk of developing the BPD.
If you’re reading this and suspecting to be a victim of BPD or know someone that might suffer then continue to reading to learn more about the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
The 9 Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder:
1. Fear of abandonment.
Probably this is the most identifying symptom of BPD. The abandonment phobia surfaces during childhood or adolescence. They may believe and imagine being abandoned. For example, repeatedly ask for confirmation that the relationship is still intact or physically cling to the other person when they attempt to leave. These deportment develop from living in an abusive, and uninvolved parenting environment.
2. Unstable relationships.
Since the fear of abandonment is so central to the disorder, unstable relationships are so frequent with BPDs. This is because they tend to drive away the spouse/ partner or close ones due to conflicts, mistrust and arguments. In fact, a person with BPD finds it difficult to recognise the feelings of others or empathising with others.
3. Impairment in identity.
Borderline personalities suffer symptoms of negative identity. Meaning, they dwell in an attitude of negativity about themselves. This happens when the childhood environment lacks affection, a secure bonding and love — very critical for a healthy mental development of an individual.
4. Impulsivity.
This is another common trait of a BPD. They may impulsively go on a spending spree, binge eating, reckless driving, engage in risky sex, or overdo with alcohol. These are just a few instances but all that the BPD is seeking is a sensational feeling for that moment. They however, feel hurt after the act.
5. Self-harm or suicidal behaviours.
This behaviour is common with people with borderline personality disorder. It includes suicidal threats, attempts and actually doing it in action. For example, hurting oneself with bloody cuts or burning. Such self-destructive behaviour cause many side effects that can aggravate in the long run.
6. Emotional instability.
People with BPD fail to establish a secure emotional relationship. There is a tendency to have intense relationships that are short-lived. They tend to drift away from their relationship because of rapid mood swings.
7. Feelings of emptiness.
A chronic feeling of emptiness is experienced by people with BPD. The void feeling is so extreme that the victim resorts to fill the emptiness with abusive things like drugs, excessive eating, or sexual activity. Yet, nothing truly satisfies to dispel the discomfort.
8. Intense anger or aggressive behaviour.
People with BPD struggle with their temperament because of intense anger and short temperedness. Once the emotion is triggered, then the person is out of control — yelling, throwing random things, and sometimes physically attacking any person around. This explosive anger isn’t always directed outwards but indicates that the person is being angry with their self.
9. Mood swings.
This is another common behaviour with BPDs. One moment they are extremely high spirited and happy and the next minute they are low spirited. While, these mood swings are intense they tend to pass away quickly, as they usually last just a few minutes or hours.
One should remember that the power to control one’s emotion entirely lies within oneself. If you want to become that strong person inwardly then intentionally shift your focus on the future and bask in the present moment. Self healing through meditation is very effective to overcome this disorder.
Lastly, have patience and give it enough time to see the progress.