Borderline

BPD usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any age. The cause of BPD is not known, but genetics may play a role. Other factors that may contribute to the development of BPD include:

• Genetic: people who have a family history of mental illness have a higher risk of developing BPD.
• Brain chemistry: the brain chemical serotonin plays a role in BPD, as it does in other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
• Trauma in childhood or adolescence: Events such as early childhood abuse or neglect can increase the risk of developing BPD later in life.

People with borderline personality disorder may face some of the challenges that come with the diagnosis, including

• Difficulty making decisions
• Impulsive behavior
• Frequent mood swings, including frequent outbursts of anger and anxiety
• Difficulty controlling emotions, including episodes of intense anger or inappropriate outbursts of rage
• Low self-esteem

Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health problem that can be difficult to treat. However, there are several treatment approaches, and the most effective usually combine medication with psychotherapy.

Medication treatment for borderline personality disorder includes mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, which can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings. Antidepressants can also be used, but are often not very effective in treating these symptoms.

Psychotherapy may also be part of BPD treatment. The most common forms of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and mentalization-based therapy. The goal of CBT is to teach people with BPD how to better control their emotions and avoid acting impulsively. DBT aims to teach individuals how to better control their emotions while fostering the ability to be empathetic toward others. And mentalization-based therapy helps sufferers understand why they feel the way they do so they can better regulate their emotions.

Dealing with people with borderline personality disorder can be difficult. But there are some things that can make it easier.

• First, it's important to recognize that the person you're dealing with has a disorder - and that they need your help, not your judgment.
• Listen when they talk about their feelings.
• Remind them of your love and support for them.
• Take them seriously when they express their feelings.
• Be patient when they are angry or upset.
• Be prepared that the person may verbally attack you. Don't take it personally. It has nothing to do with you.
• Try to be as patient and understanding as possible about their situation. They probably feel that no one understands them or their problems, so it's especially important that you do so when possible. And remember: everyone deserves love and respect!

Here are some things you should avoid when dealing with people with borderline personality disorder:

• Don't criticize or judge them for feelings or actions that seem irrational to you. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but it will only make the situation worse and further discourage the person from seeking help. If you feel the need to explain to someone why they did something wrong or why it was a bad decision, don't do it in front of the person who made the mistake. Instead, talk to the person privately and let them know you're not angry with them - you just want to help them. Explain how they can improve next time.
• They need time to learn new skills and build their self-esteem before they are able to think clearly enough about their problems to solve them themselves.
• Don't try to "fix" them or make them feel like something that is bothering them is better. Instead, focus on building a healthy relationship based on mutual respect and trust
• Don't tell them what to do or feel in a particular situation; instead, ask questions about their feelings and needs so you can understand what they are going through
• Please do not get angry. Borderline personalities can be very sensitive to criticism and rejection, so don't let them get upset.
• Avoid praising or criticizing them too much for just one thing.
• Avoid criticizing too much about something they have done or said in the past - they may feel that their entire identity is based on that thing, and if you criticize them, they will feel that their entire life has been devalued by your opinion (which is so not true!).
• Avoid being dismissive when they make mistakes or apologize for their behavior. People with BPD often feel that their mistakes are unforgivable - which can make them feel like they can't change how others perceive them. When someone with BPD apologizes, it is important that we as friends and family members not only accept that apology, but also reassure the person that we will always love them unconditionally, no matter what happens in the future (whether it is a mistake or not)!