What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects approximately 1.2% of Singaporeans at some point in their lives. Individuals with BPD experience intense and volatile emotions, leading to unstable relationships and impulsive behaviour, including self-harm. Perhaps due in part to the condition’s impact on personal relationships, BPD is frequently stigmatised and misunderstood. Nonetheless, with appropriate treatment, people with BPD can lead fulfilling lives.
Intensely fluctuating emotions are one of the key features of BPD. Because people with BPD fear abandonment, their mood swings often occur in the context of relationships. For instance, a small disagreement might feel like a rejection of their whole being, leading to overwhelming sadness or anger. These misreadings of the situation can lead to conflicts. Conversely, fear of abandonment can sometimes lead to clingy behaviour. This push-pull dynamic often results in a pattern of tumultuous relationships.
Impulsivity is another common feature, which can manifest in risky behaviour like reckless spending, substance use, or other unsafe decisions. In combination with mood swings and sensitivity to rejection, impulsivity can lead to in self-harming or suicidal behaviour.
BPD often stems from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as a history of trauma, unstable childhood environments, or a simple mismatch between child and parent temperaments.
BPD is Treatable
Despite the challenges, there is hope for those with BPD. Effective treatments are available, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
With treatment, many people with BPD experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Understanding and compassion from loved ones can make a big difference. Family and friends should not hesitate to seek support in understanding the condition and how to best respond to their loved one’s emotions and behaviours.
Addressing Stigma
Unfortunately, BPD is often stigmatised. It is crucial to recognise that people with BPD are not “attention-seeking” or “manipulative.” Their behaviour in relationships is not calculated to produce an effect in others, but a byproduct of their emotional highs and lows. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can create a more supportive environment for those affected by BPD and for their loved ones.
Conclusion
Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex condition. While it presents significant challenges, with proper treatment, individuals with BPD can lead full and satisfying lives.
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
References:
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Publications.
Manning, S. Y. & Linehan, M. M. (2011). Loving someone with borderline personality disorder: how to keep out-of-control emotions from destroying your relationship. The Guilford Press.