What are the signs of BPD?
While symptoms vary and each person with BPD diagnosis or traits is different, all individuals with BPD will experience some of the symptoms listed below.
Symptoms on their own, or as isolated events are not necessarily a sign of BPD, however persistent, multiple or severe symptoms may require a professional mental health assessment.
MedCircle – How to spot the 9 traits of Borderline Personality Disorder
Possible symptoms
There are a range of symptoms which may indicate BPD traits, these include:
- Rapid change in moods – anxiety, depression and worry
- Inappropriate or extreme emotional reactions – happy, sad, angry outbursts
- Highly impulsive and self-destructive behaviour
- Self-harming or suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- A history of unstable intense relationships
- Unclear identity
- Fear of abandonment and rejection (whether real or imagined)
- Feelings of emptiness or boredom
- Paranoia or out of touch with reality
- Black-and-white thinking
The Mighty – Secrets of people who live with BPD
What can I do to help?
A supportive network of trusting and caring family and friends is equally important to evidence-based psychotherapies in the recovery of the person with BPD traits or diagnosis. This means collaborative involvement from health professionals and close family, friends and carers to provide a holistic approach to care. Remember that BPD is a serious medical condition that requires appropriate intervention.
Knowledge is power
Find out as much as possible about the illness as you can. If you can understand the thought processes of the BPD mind, it will be a lot easier for you to empathise and give you a much better chance of helping out.
Be patient
Treatment for BPD is effective over time. People with BPD need to also come to an understanding and acceptance of their illness before they can learn to control the symptoms. This is not always easy and takes time.
Communicate calmly
Respect each other when communicating. Families affected by BPD often explain how negative emotions can be contagious. However, you can turn this around to create a calm atmosphere in which everyone speaks calmly of how they’re feeling and why to have a better chance of resolving the disagreements. It may be easier to talk while walking or being outside where the environment is more relaxing than across the table.
Research
Learn about the mental heath system to know what services are available and be proactive about seeking appropriate care. Link in with peer support groups and services whether in the community or online that complement with mental health service system.
Take care of yourself
BPD often impacts on relationships so do not underestimate what the condition can do to you, your family and friends. Look out for support to develop coping strategies of your own too.
Information sheets you can download
Orygen Youth Health – BPD + Young People
Project Air Strategy – For families, partners & carers: the basics
Project Air Strategy – For families, partners & carers: Effective communication
Books you can read
Understanding and Treating Borderline Personality Disorder
Useful links
Psycom – A guide to spotting the signs of BPD
Very Well – Signs and symptoms of BPD
bpdfamily.org is a site where you can access video library and short essays for family and romantic partners of people with BPD.
bpdfamily.com is a site in which you can read helpful articles with facing emotionally intense relationships for family members and partners of people with BPD.
