Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition characterized by difficulties regulating emotion. This means that people who experience BPD feel emotions intensely and for extended periods of time, and it is harder for them to return to a stable baseline after an emotionally triggering event. This difficulty can lead to impulsivity, poor self-image, stormy relationships and intense emotional responses to stressors. Struggling with self-regulation can also result in dangerous behaviours such as self-harm (e.g. cutting).
BPD for me has always been a constant negative voice, repeating the phrases that generally stem from one main concept “I am not good enough," not good enough for whatever it is I want at that moment - everything from love to money, it was constantly changing. I didn't think I was good enough for anyone to even really like me, so love, true love, someone loving me for me, that was out of the question. I have recently learned these are what is referred to as a negative thought pattern, one of the symptoms of BPD, which is often more severe during times of stress.
Borderline personality disorder often leads to difficulties with relationships, emotion regulation, and impulse control. It is important to remember people living with this disorder often are not even aware there is an issue. Friends and family play a key role in the treatment of this disorder and it is important to remember that your loved one is not setting out to intentionally make life hard for you. That would be more of a sociopathic tendency. You are forgiven though since the two are grouped into the same cluster of personality disorders. I will explore some of those right away here. It is challenging to point out one source or cause of these disorders. It is believed to be a combination of genetic makeup and trauma or stress experienced at a young age. Many of these traits and negative thought patterns can be recognized in early childhood or adolescence, yet healthcare professionals often hesitate to diagnose young patients until adulthood for fear of the lasting effect social stigmas can have. Treatment often includes medication, counselling, therapy, and environmental changes. Self-reflection and determination for charge alone are often not enough. Patients need a strong and understanding support network, and access to mental health professionals in order to make treatment successful.
There are a variety of behavioural disorders that can affect children. Early treatment for symptoms is what’s important, not diagnosing a disorder. Treatment of s will help the child develop healthy coping mechanisms and avoid long-term problems. Most behavioural disorders can first be suspected in childhood or adolescence, but often go without an official diagnosis as a result of social stigmas that these labels can have a lasting impact on a person's ability to function in social situations, work, and family settings. Many of these disorders are thought to be genetic so often one or both of the parents have their own uniqueness.
Between the different mood, personality, or behavioural disorders there are many common symptoms which can make diagnoses challenging at times. I have highlighted a few disorders below so you can get an idea of what I am talking about:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): This disorder is characterised by problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is one of the most common behavioural disorders, an easy label for a “difficult child” because the stigma surrounding ADHD / ADD does not have the same implications. Anxiety disorders: These disorders are characterised by feelings of fear, worry, and uneasiness. They can include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Depressive disorders: These disorders are characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability. They can include major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Eating disorders: These disorders are characterised by abnormal eating habits and relationships with food. They can include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Substance abuse disorders: These disorders are characterised by the repeated use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. They can include alcohol abuse and dependence, and drug abuse and dependence. Personality disorders: These disorders are characterised by long-standing Patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate from the norm and cause distress or problems in functioning *They can include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.
Behavioural Disorders
Treatment for behavioural disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder and its severity. It may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Mood disorders are one of the most common types of mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 20% of adults in the United States live with a mood disorder. There are several different types of mood disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Each type of mood disorder has its own unique symptoms. Major Depressive Disorder is characterised by periods of depressed mood that last for at least two weeks. People with Major Depressive Disorder may also experience changes in appetite, sleep, energy levels, and concentration. Bipolar Disorder is characterised by periods of both mania and depression. Mania is a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels. Depression is a period of low mood, energy, and activity levels. People with Bipolar Disorder may also experience changes in sleep, appetite, and concentration. Cyclothymic Disorder -a type of mood disorder that is characterised by periods of hypomania and mild depression. Hypomania is a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels. Mild depression is a period of low mood, energy, and activity levels. People with Cyclothymic Disorder may also experience changes in sleep, appetite, and concentration.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder — mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a woman's cycle and go away with the onset of menses
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — a long-term (chronic) form of depression
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder — a disorder of chronic, severe and persistent irritability in children that often includes frequent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with the child's developmental age
Depression related to medical illness — a persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that's directly related to the physical effects of another medical condition
Depression induced by substance use or medication ― depression symptoms that develop during or soon after substance use or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication
For most people, mood disorders can be successfully treated with medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).
When to see a doctor
If you're concerned that you may have a disorder, make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, a faith leader, or someone else you trust. Talk to a healthcare professional if you:
Feel like your emotions are interfering with your work, relationships, social activities or other parts of your life
Have trouble with drinking, drugs, gambling, risky sexual behaviour,
Seek emergency treatment immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Contact local authorities and request a safety check if you feel someone has made a threat to harm themselves regardless if you believe the threat is authentic or not.
Mood disorders are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and they may get worse over time. Seek professional help before your mood disorder becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on.
Personality Disorders
A personality disorder affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with a personality disorder can have difficulty functioning in society and likely have difficulty in relationships, at work, or at school. There are several different types of personality disorders, and each type has its own set of symptoms, yet some are shared as well. Some types of personality disorders are more common than others, personality disorders are classified into three different categories:
Cluster A
Personality disorders in cluster A, are characterised by odd or eccentric behaviour. People with a Cluster A personality disorder may seem strange or odd to others. Examples of Cluster A personality disorders include:
• Paranoid personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a mental health condition with a long-term pattern of distrust and suspicion of others without reason to be suspicious. People with PPD often believe that others are trying to demean, harm or threaten them. They often see this as normal and don’t think their behaviour and way of thinking are problematic.
• Schizotypal personality disorder. Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with close relationships and social interactions. People with STPD have distorted views of reality, superstitions and unusual behaviours. Their relationships are usually hindered by their symptoms.
• Schizoid personality disorder is an uncommon condition in which people avoid social activities and consistently shy away from interaction with others. They also have a limited range of emotional expression. If you have a schizoid personality disorder, you may be seen as a loner or dismissive of others, and you may lack the desire or skill to form close personal relationships. Because you don't tend to show emotion, you may appear as though you don't care about others or what's going on around you.
Cluster B
Personality disorders found in cluster B are characterised by dramatic, impulsive, or disruptive behaviour. People with a Cluster B personality disorder may seem intense, difficult to get along with, or unpredictable.
• Borderline personality disorder, is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feels about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behaviour, and a pattern of unstable relationships. With borderline personality disorder, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships. Borderline personality disorder usually begins in early adulthood. The condition seems to be worse in young adulthood and may gradually get better with age.
If you have a borderline personality disorder, don't get discouraged. Many people with this disorder get better over time with treatment and can learn to live satisfying lives.
• Narcissistic personality disorder, is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters. People with a narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favours or admiration that they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other people may not enjoy being around them.
Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centres around talk therapy also called psychotherapy.
A narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in teens or early adulthood. Some children may show traits of narcissism, but this is often typical for their age and doesn't mean they'll go on to develop a narcissistic personality disorder.
• Histrionic personality disorder(HPD) is a mental health condition marked by unstable emotions, a distorted self-image and an overwhelming desire to be noticed. People with HPD often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention.
• Antisocial personality disorder is a particularly challenging type of personality disorder characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour. Someone with an antisocial personality disorder will typically be manipulative, deceitful and reckless, and will not care for other people's feelings. Like other types of personality disorder, an antisocial personality disorder is on a spectrum, which means it can range in severity from occasional bad behaviour to repeatedly breaking the law and committing serious crimes. Psychopaths are considered to have a severe form of antisocial personality disorder.
Cluster C
Personality disorders in cluster C are characterised by anxious or fearful behaviour. People with Cluster C personality disorder may seem shy, timid, or withdrawn.
Examples of Cluster C personality disorders include:
• Avoidant personality disorder, people with avoidant personality disorder avoid social situations due to fear of rejection and being judged by others. However, because most people with this condition want to develop relations, they may be more likely to respond to the work of psychotherapy.
• Dependent personality disorder, is a type of anxious personality disorder. People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive or incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions. But, with help, someone with a dependent personality can learn self-confidence and self-reliance.
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, (OCPD,) is a mental health condition that causes an extensive preoccupation with perfectionism, organization and control. These behaviours and thought patterns interfere with completing tasks and maintaining relationships. People with OCPD have rigid beliefs and specific ways of doing different tasks. They don’t allow for any flexibility and are unable to compromise with others. People with OCPD often don’t realize their behaviour and way of thinking are problematic.
Early Treatment
If you or someone you know is showing signs of multiple symptoms 4-5 or more, it's important to seek professional help early. The earlier treatment is sought, the more effective it can be. Mental health disorders are a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. Early treatment is essential to recovery. It can help to prevent the problem from getting worse and can make the road to recovery shorter and less difficult.
If you are concerned about someone you know, or if you are experiencing symptoms yourself, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, and treatment can make a world of difference.
Prevention of developing a second illness like PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental illness that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. For many people, the events that trigger PTSD are related to military combat, sexual assault, or childhood abuse.
PTSD can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental and physical health. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. PTSD can also lead to substance abuse, as people may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
There are a number of ways to prevent PTSD, or at least reduce the chances of developing the disorder. First, it is important to seek professional help immediately after a traumatic event. This can be in the form of therapy, medication, or both.
It is also important to be proactive in taking care of your mental health. This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These activities will help to reduce stress and anxiety, and will also boost your mood and energy levels.
In addition, it is important to surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends. These people can provide you with a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a comforting hug when needed.
Finally, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress. This can include journaling, meditation, and spending time in nature. By finding healthy coping mechanisms, you will be less likely to turn to unhealthy habits, such as substance abuse, in times of stress.
Trauma response training for teachers and those that work closely with youth.
Trauma impacts children’s ability to succeed in school and teachers play a vital role in supporting students in their development. Teachers should go through training on recognizing signs of trauma and the appropriate responses. can help educators to better understand the effects of trauma, identify signs that a student may be experiencing trauma, and know how to best support those students.
There are a variety of evidence-based trauma-informed approaches that teachers can use to support students. One approach is called the trauma-sensitive classroom, which is based on the premise that all students in the class have experienced some form of trauma. This approach aims to create a safe and supportive environment in the classroom where students can feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Another approach is called trauma-specific interventions, which are designed to address the specific needs of students who have experienced trauma. These interventions can focus on individual students or groups of students and can be tailored to the specific type of trauma experienced.
No matter what approach is used, it is important that teachers receive training on how to effectively support students who have experienced trauma. This training should cover topics such as the impact of trauma on children, how to identify signs of trauma, and how to respond to trauma. With the right training, teachers can be a powerful force in helping students who have experienced trauma to heal and succeed in school.
Increased awareness of the importance of regular and consistent access to counsellors
As the world becomes more and more fast-paced, the importance of regular and consistent access to counsellors is becoming increasingly apparent. A counsellor can provide invaluable support and guidance when it comes to managing mental health and can help to identify any early warning signs of mental illness.
There are a number of reasons why someone might seek out the services of a counsellor. Perhaps they are struggling to cope with a particular issue or situation, or they may be feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to. Counselling can also be helpful for those who are struggling to come to terms with a major life event, such as bereavement.
Some people may feel apprehensive about counselling, fearing that it will be expensive or that it will not be confidential. However, there are now many affordable and confidential counselling services available, so it is definitely worth considering if you are struggling to cope with something. Counselling can really make a difference in someone's life, so if you think it could help you, don't hesitate to give it a try.
It's a disorder that should be treated.