This month, I’ve been focusing some posts on mental health.
Today, it’s Borderline Personality Disorder. Sounds like something really weird, right? It’s surprised me to learn about this.
It’s a love/hate thing, and I think it’s a bit more common than either one of us realize. The description may surprise you, too. When you read it, co-workers, family members, friends, acquaintances, neighbors will come to mind, and you’ll think, “Whoa, you can diagnose this, for real?”
Wikipedia describes BPD as a prolonged disturbance of personality function characterized by depth and variability of moods.[n 1] Usually the disorder involves unusual levels of instability in mood; black and white thinking, or splitting.
The disorder often manifests itself in idealization and devaluation episodes, as well as chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior; as well as a disturbance in the individual’s sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periods of dissociation, self-harm, or violence.[1]
BPD splitting (all-or-nothing thinking) includes a switch between idealizing and demonizing others. Obviously, this, combined with mood disturbances, can undermine relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Sound like anyone you know?
Does this mean extremism is a mental disorder? hum?
Some Symptoms:
- Fear of being abandoned
- Feelings of emptiness and boredom
- Frequent displays of inappropriate anger
- Impulsiveness with interests, money, substance abuse, sexual relationships, binge eating, or shoplifting
- Intolerance of being alone
- Repeated crises and acts of self-injury, such as wrist cutting or overdosing
Treatment and medication are helpful.
More here:
(National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Did you find this information interesting? Let me know.
