#understanding bpd

Identity Disturbance in BPD

Artist: @houdadraws

⚠️Trigger Warning: mention of suicide and self-harm ⚠️

"Only women have BPD...”

This is false. Men make up about 25% of

'DIAGNOSED' cases of BPD, more recent studies show it mav even be closer to 50%!

BPD in males can present differently than it does in females which can lead to misdiagnoses and mistreatment. There is also a large gender bias within the dianostic and assessment procedures, leading to under-recognise the disorder in men.

"People with BPD can't maintain good relationships...”

BPD brings out intense emotional fluctuations and impulsive behaviours which can be challenging for both partners. Individuals with BPD are also particular sensitive to rejection or have a fear of abandonment.

However, people with BPD are empathetic, compassionate, kind people wbo, with treatment and recognition of their disorder, can live a high-functioning, beautiful life.

With a strong foundation of patience and commitment, couples can work together to navigate these challenges and build a loving, long-lasting healthy relationship.

"BPD cannot be treated...”

This is incorrect. Although there is no overnight fix, BPD is definately treatable and manageable. The quicker you deal with it, the better.

There are many different therapies and treatments including:

  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (BPD)

  Cognitive Bahavioural Therapy (CBT)

  Schema Therapy

  Psychotherapies

  Mentalization Theranies (MBT)

DBT is a go-to treatment method for many mental health professionals, and research shows its usefulness in significantly reducing negative behaviours and hospital admission rates in people with BPD.

Medication can be prescribes to help manage the symptoms of comorbid (simultaniously occurring) conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

A BPD diagnosis is NOT a life sentence!

"People with BPD are dangerous..”

One of the main diagnostic criteria for BPD is an intense level of anger.

This does not mean they are a threat to others.

Research shows individuals presenting with

BPD traits are unlikely to actually physically cause any harm to others.

People with BPD have a high suicide rate, so they pose the greatest danger to themselves, not others.

"Suicide threats by individuals with BPD aren't serious...”

All suicide threats should be taken seriously.

People may see suicide threats from someone with BPD as a way to create a reaction. This assumption is untrue and unfair.

People with BPD experience a high rate of suicide. As many as 10% of people with BPD with commit suicide while even more engage in suicide attempts and self-harm.

All suicide threats must be taken seriously.

The risk of ignoring the threats are too high.

If you or anyone you know are struggling, please reach out for help.

The book “I hate you, don’t leave me” is a widely known bestseller about Borderline Personality Disorder written by Jerold Kreisman and Hal Straus. It is a book that is written for both mental health professionals and patients and provides an understanding of this difficult disorder that by far exceeds the clinical diagnostic criteria.

Mr. Kreisman kindly agreed to give Psych2go an interview about some questions regarding complicated details about BPD. Hopefully, you can find some answers that help you.

Psych2go(P2g): Dr. Kreisman, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with us. Your book “I hate you, don’t leave me”, that you wrote together with your colleague Hal Straus, is widely known among therapists and patients. Why did you choose to become an expert for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Jerry (J): During my training, the diagnosis was just being understood and defined.  Many of my colleagues recognized these patients to be troublesome and avoided them.  I found many of them to be intriguing and brave.

Continue Reading...

Are you or someone you love struggling with intense emotions, unstable relationships, or impulsive behavior? Learn more about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and how it affects young adults at Manobodh. Our latest article breaks down the symptoms, causes, and treatment options to help you gain a deeper understanding of BPD.

At Manobodh, we focus on creating awareness and offering support for BPD in young adults, empowering individuals and families through knowledge and compassion.

Do not constantly repeat yourself when a sufferer asks for reassurance.  But also do provide some kind of way to help the sufferer to feel secure.  For example, develop some simple ways that don’t take too much thinking of.  Say something once; when the sufferer wants you to reassure them, you could simply say “remember what I said.”  This way you are providing the safety they need but without having to repeat constantly what you said in the first place.  It can be more stressful to keep repeating yourself, and if you change your wording then it could result in making the situation worse.

If you want to say something of deep emotion to someone with BPD then think it through carefully.  For example, if you want to say “I love you,” take the time to think whether you really mean it before saying it.  You must be consistent with your feelings towards a BPD sufferer.

Express your feelings in a constructive way.  If you feel upset with the sufferer’s behaviour, then don’t be afraid to tell them.  Remove yourself from the situation and then later tell them in a calm manner how you feel.  Give them the chance to explain themselves as what they could be feeling may not be what you have perceived.  Often people with BPD are completely misunderstood.

If the sufferer is becoming very distressed then at times it may be better to leave the situation until they calm down.  This isn't always the case, if what is stressing them is nothing you have done then it maybe worth talking with them and helping them over come the black and white thinking.

Give yourself time to relax alone.  It’s very important to have some time to reflect and to think of yourself, other friends or family.

Communication is very important.  Do not leave anything unsaid, as this can lead to misconceptions on the sufferer’s part.  Set aside some time to spend with the sufferer to talk in-depth.  Try to understand their feelings and remember they could feel misunderstood.

Always be willing to compromise.  This can make everyone around satisfied in some way but do not give in completely.  If you don't want to do something, then don't but find a way to compromise in some way.  If you give in to the sufferers demand then it could lead to unwanted situations and emotions, such as resentment on your part.  But remember, if the sufferer is upset, they are not trying to manipulate you, it's just they are feeling hurt and they need to express that.

Be consistent as much as possible.  Do not change your general behaviour or attitude towards the sufferer unless it's in a positive way.  It is easier said then done, and can at times be unavoidable.

Most importantly, remember this person may have these emotional problems but they are still a warm human being.  They have interests, hobbies, and their own personality.  It's just they can be hurt much easier then most people.  They can still love and be a good friend.

Found this link on another post, but this is so damn helpful (for both sides really.)

Communication!!! I can’t say that enough! Talking it out, being open-minded, compromise, WORKING TOGETHER!!!