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How to Help Someone With Borderline Personality Disorder

How to Help Someone With Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects approximately 1.6% of adults in the United States alone. It is characterized by difficulties regulating emotions, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships. Those who are close to someone with BPD often struggle to understand their loved one’s actions and may feel helpless in their efforts to support them. However, there are ways you can help someone with BPD navigate their condition and improve their overall well-being.

In this blog, we will discuss some practical tips on how to support someone with BPD and create a healthy and understanding relationship.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex mental health condition that is often misunderstood. It is marked by patterns of unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. People with BPD may struggle with intense emotions, have difficulty managing their impulses, and experience challenges in maintaining stable relationships.

In other words, they may feel emotions more intensely and have a harder time controlling their reactions to them. People with BPD also often struggle with feelings of emptiness and fear of abandonment.

If someone has the following symptoms, they might be suffering from BPD:

  • Intense fear of abandonment
  • Unstable and intense relationships
  • Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Self-harming behaviors

Supporting Someone With BPD

If someone you care about has been diagnosed with BPD, it is essential to educate yourself about the condition and understand what they are going through. Being informed can help you provide better support and reduce any feelings of frustration or confusion.

Here are some practical tips on how to help someone with BPD:

1. Be Empathetic and Understanding
People with BPD often struggle with intense emotions, which can be overwhelming for them. It is crucial to approach them with empathy and understanding, even if you may not fully understand their feelings. According to research, invalidating someone’s emotions can make their symptoms worse. Instead, try to listen and validate their feelings, even if you do not agree with them.
2. Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help
Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex condition that often requires professional treatment. Encourage your loved one to seek therapy from a mental health professional who specializes in treating BPD. Therapy can help them learn coping mechanisms, improve their relationships, and manage their emotions effectively.
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3. Be Patient
Dealing with BPD can be challenging for both the person suffering from it and their loved ones. It is essential to remember that recovery takes time, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Be patient with your loved ones and support them through their journey. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and be there for them during setbacks.
4. Set Boundaries
While it is crucial to support someone with BPD, it is also essential to set boundaries for your own well-being. People with BPD may sometimes struggle with controlling their impulses, which can lead to hurtful behaviors towards those closest to them. It is essential to set boundaries and communicate them clearly, but also be understanding of their condition.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone with BPD can be emotionally taxing. It is crucial to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, seek support from friends or a therapist, and practice self-care regularly.
It is essential to remember that you cannot fix or cure someone’s Borderline Personality Disorder, but you can provide them with the necessary support and understanding to help them manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
6. Educate Others
There is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding BPD. By educating others about the condition, you can help reduce this stigma and create a more supportive environment for those living with it. Share accurate information and resources with friends, family, and colleagues to promote understanding and empathy towards those with BPD.

7. Remind them of their strengths

People with BPD often struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. Remind your loved one of their strengths and positive qualities, especially during times when they may doubt themselves.
Reminding them of their strengths can help boost their self-esteem and provide them with much-needed support and validation.
8. Don't take their actions personally
People with BPD may sometimes lash out or say hurtful things in moments of intense emotions. It is crucial not to take these actions personally and to remember that they are a result of the condition rather than a reflection of your relationship.
The person with BPD may also feel intense guilt and remorse after these outbursts, so try to be understanding and forgiving.

Conclusion

Supporting someone with Borderline Personality Disorder can be challenging, but it is possible. By educating yourself about the condition, being empathetic and patient, setting boundaries, taking care of yourself, and reminding your loved one of their strengths, you can create a supportive and understanding environment for them to thrive in.
Remember also to seek support for yourself, as supporting someone with BPD can be emotionally taxing. With proper education, understanding, and support, you can help your loved one manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life despite their condition.
For more information about Mental health and guidance, Get in touch with a specialized psychiatrist now!
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Faith Behavioral Health Group
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DR. Sadaf Noor Blog Updated Image
Dr. Sadaf Noor Psychiatrist, MD

As a skilled psychiatrist, I specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues, emotional disorders, and psychotic conditions. Drawing on diagnostic laboratory tests, prescribed medications, and psychotherapeutic interventions, I strive to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for my patients in Frisco and McKinney, Texas, while assessing their biological, psychological, and social components of illnesses. I am committed to helping them achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives through my work.