Posted on by Katie

A Little Bit About BPD

To diagnose, there are no lab tests or imagining tests but more of a series of questions like an interview. However when diagnosing BPD the biggest flags can be… 

By Angelica S.

  1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. 
  2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
  3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
  4. Impulsivity in at least 2 areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). 
  5. Recurrent suicidal behaviour, gestures or threats, or self-mutilating behaviour.
  6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
  7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
  8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
  9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.

Feeling Angry, frustrated, or restless?

Things to try:

  • rip up a newspaper,
  •  hit a pillow, 
  • throw ice cubes into the bath so they smash, 
  • do some vigorous exercise, 
  • listen to loud music, 
  • do a practical activity like gardening or woodwork.

Maybe sad, lonely, or depressed?

  • wrap up in a blanket and watch your favorite TV show
  • write all your negative feelings on a piece of paper and tear it up
  • listen to a song or piece of music you find uplifting
  • write a comforting letter to the part of yourself that is feeling sad or alone
  • cuddle a pet or a soft toy.

Or… anxious, panicked or tense?

  • make yourself a hot drink and drink it slowly, noticing the taste and smell, the shape of the mug and its weight in your hand
  • take ten deep breaths, counting each one out loud— Checking out yoga is also a great idea!!!
  • write down everything you can think of about where you are right now, such as the time, date, colour of the walls and the furniture in the room
  • take a warm bath or shower – this can help change your mood by creating a soothing atmosphere and a distracting physical sensation.

There is also disassociating or spacing out

  • chew a piece of ginger or chili (as long as you’re not allergic)
  • Clap your hands and notice the stinging sensation
  • Drink a glass of ice-cold water

And even wanting to self harm

  • rub ice over where you want to hurt yourself
  • stick sellotape or a plaster on your skin and peel it off
  • take a cold bath.
  • Drawing on yourself is another idea. Trying to get creative and taking out that sadness or desperation to feel something into something cute or beautiful might work. 

  • Fear of abandonment. Unstable relationships. Unclear or shifting self-image. Impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. Self-harm. Extreme emotional swings. Chronic feelings of emptiness. Explosive anger. Feeling suspicious or out of touch with reality.
  • Minimizing stress and the amount of work one has to do is also another way of taking care of yourself when it comes to BPD
  • A lot of recommendations have been involved with sound and relaxation techniques.
  • Trying a sound machine might be helpful (one can get it on amazon or target)
  • YOGA!

Try to understand it’s not easy

Being there for others who have BPD

  • Relationships can affect a person with BPD’s self-image, behavior and ability to function to a whole new level
  •  The possibility of facing separation or rejection can lead to self-destructive behaviors, self-harm or suicidal thinking.
  • A person with BPD going into a new relationship may demand for constant attention, love and care but that’s because they need it
  • People with BPD are at the highest risk for suicide along with anorexia nervosa, depression and bipolar disorder

  • There is no “cure” however psychotherapy, peer/ family support and medications can help.
  • One who has BPD needs to take self care very seriously such as eating healthy, exercising as much as one is able to and avoid anything that can be addictive
  • Drugs, alcohol and other temptations must be taken seriously and one should stay away

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