What Do I Need to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?

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Untreated mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD) can affect many areas of your day-to-day life. In the United States, the number of individuals affected by mental health disorders has increased within the last several decades.

According to research published by StatPearls Publishing, “Surveys have estimated the prevalence of borderline personality disorder to be 1.6% in the general population and 20% in the inpatient psychiatric population.” Alter Wellness Care uses evidence-based methods to effectively treat BPD in our intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP)

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), BPD “is a mental health condition in which a person has long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions.” Many people diagnosed with the condition struggle with emotion regulation, relationship issues, and impulsive behaviors. Borderline personality disorder often develops alongside other physical or mental conditions, including:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Arthritis
Chronic pain
Substance misuse
Mood disorders like depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders

Our IOP and PHP programs provide essential skill development to help you cope and manage symptoms related to any active and underlying issue. We treat co-occurring conditions simultaneously to ensure the best possible outcome for individuals with BPD.

Signs & Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

The signs and symptoms of BPD exist along a spectrum, and every case is unique. Some people with BPD have the resources and skills to cope without experiencing extreme emotional distress. However, other individuals have difficulty functioning or completing basic daily tasks and experience severe symptoms related to their condition. The side effects can influence mood, behavior, and physical health.

Common signs and symptoms of BPD include:

Suicidal ideations
Self-harming behaviors
Distorted self-image
Antisocial behaviors
Obsessive or compulsive thoughts and behaviors
Irritability
Impulsive and risk-taking behaviors
Angry outbursts or hostility
Physical, social, or emotional isolation
Anxiety
Depression
Narcissistic traits

Many people with BPD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, and they may have a fear of abandonment. In addition, extreme mood swings can cause issues at work, school, or within the family unit. The personalized treatment options at Alter Wellness Care allow clients to learn essential skills that help them tolerate everyday stressors and manage symptoms.

Healing From Trauma and Emotional Distress

Trauma is often an underlying cause of borderline personality disorder and co-occurring conditions. Trauma-focused therapy can help individuals with BPD establish essential coping skills to reduce the side effects and ensure long-term recovery. According to BMC Psychiatry, “BPD can be the result of the interactions between biological and psychosocial factors,” including “adverse and traumatic experiences during childhood.” Understanding the factors contributing to your BPD will help you identify triggers and cope with stress.

Factors that can increase your risk of developing BPD include:

Witnessing or experiencing traumatic events
Genetics
Family history of substance use or mental health disorders
Toxic home environment
Ineffective communication skills
Family trauma, including the death of a loved one or parental divorce
Childhood neglect or abandonment

Overcoming Public Stigmas Surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder

According to Administration and Policy in Mental Health, “Public stigma refers to a set of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate individuals to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illness.” BPD is one of the most stigmatized mental health disorders. Even medical professionals often believe misconceptions and have very little training in how to treat BPD effectively. You can overcome public stigmas by learning more about your condition and participating in mental health treatment.

Alter Wellness Care prioritizes reducing social stigmas surrounding mental health and BPD by providing high-quality treatments and community education. Our expert care team offers compassionate support for clients with BPD. You do not have to go through recovery alone. We can help you gain confidence and overcome challenges related to this diagnosis.

Self-acceptance and a willingness to educate others will help decrease social stigmas surrounding BPD. You can provide resources to family members and friends to help them understand the realities of your condition and how it affects you.

The most common misconceptions surrounding BPD include the following:

Treatment doesn’t work
Individuals with BPD don’t want to change
BPD is a personal choice

All of these misconceptions add to stigmas related to BPD and treatment. How others see you and talk about your condition will affect your recovery. By practicing self-acceptance and not being afraid to counter stigmas, you empower yourself to heal and grow.

You Are More Than Your Diagnosis

The dedicated care team at Alter Wellness Care understands the challenges many people face during recovery. We believe a diagnosis does not define individuals struggling with mental health issues. You can grow, heal, and thrive in recovery. BPD is not a life sentence; you can successfully learn to manage your condition with the help of mental health professionals like the ones at our facility.

Borderline personality disorder manifests in different ways, and the symptoms range from mild to severe. The effects can interfere with a person’s career, education, and personal relationships if left untreated. In addition, a large percentage of individuals with BPD also have co-occurring disorders that require simultaneous treatment. Mental health programs that treat BPD often use a combination of prescription medication, psychotherapy, and alternative holistic therapies. Alter Wellness Care provides evidence-based methods for individuals struggling with mental health issues related to BPD and co-occurring conditions. We use personalized treatment plans to ensure each client has access to the support they need to heal and grow. To learn more about our treatments and services, call Alter Wellness Care today at (866) 311-3510.