9 Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of
intense emotions, unstable relationships, distorted self-image, impulsivity, and difficulty in
regulating emotions.

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Here are some key aspects of what it means to have BPD:
1. Intense Emotional Instability: People with BPD often experience intense and rapidly
shifting emotions. They may feel emotions more strongly than others and have difficulty
regulating these emotions, leading to frequent mood swings.

2. Unstable Relationships: Individuals with BPD may have unstable and tumultuous
relationships, marked by alternating between idealizing and devaluing others. They may
fear abandonment and struggle with feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

3. Distorted Self-Image: People with BPD may have an unstable sense of self and
struggle with a chronic feeling of emptiness. They may have difficulty understanding who
they are or what they want in life.

4. Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a common trait in BPD, leading individuals to engage in risky
behaviors such as reckless driving, substance abuse, binge eating, or unsafe sexual
practices. These behaviors may provide temporary relief from emotional pain but can
have negative consequences in the long run.

5. Self-Harming Behaviors: Some individuals with BPD engage in self-harming behaviors
such as cutting, burning, or hitting themselves. These behaviors are often used as a
coping mechanism to regulate intense emotions or to feel something when experiencing
emotional numbness.

6. Fear of Abandonment: Individuals with BPD may have an intense fear of
abandonment, leading to clingy or possessive behavior in relationships. They may go to
great lengths to avoid real or perceived abandonment, even if it means sacrificing their
own needs or values.

7. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: Many people with BPD experience a chronic sense of
emptiness or inner void, regardless of their external circumstances. This feeling of
emptiness can contribute to impulsivity, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties in
forming stable relationships.

8. Dissociation: Some individuals with BPD may experience dissociative symptoms, such
as feeling disconnected from themselves or their surroundings, or experiencing periods
of amnesia.

9. Splitting: Splitting is a psychological defense mechanism commonly associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by polarized thinking and an inability to see the middle ground. Individuals who experience splitting may oscillate between idealizing and devaluing people, situations, or themselves, leading to intense and unstable emotions, behaviors and relationships.

It is important to note that BPD is a complex and multifaceted condition, and symptoms can vary
widely from person to person. Additionally, individuals with BPD may also struggle with co-
occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
If you believe you may have BPD or any other mental health condition, it's crucial to seek help
from a qualified mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment options for BPD typically include psychotherapy, medication, and support groups,
and can be highly effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

By Tandy Hale, LCMHC, ATR-BC, NCC

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