Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
understanding
borderline personality
disorder
Contents
What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
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Useful contacts
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When I get let down, it just reinforces my belief that the world
is full of bad people who won't be kind to you like my parents
weren't kind to me.
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The stigma of being violent and dangerous is the worst for me.
[I am a] caring and empathetic soul who would do anything for the
people [I] love.
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If I am feeling very bad but can't put into words how I feel
or why, I wear a particular bracelet. My closest friends and family
know that this means I am having a rough time at the moment and
might need some TLC.
(For more guidance on how to deal with these experiences, see
our booklets How to deal with anger, Understanding depression,
Understanding anxiety and panic attacks and Understanding self-harm.)
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Get enough sleep. This can help you have the energy to cope with
difficult feelings and experiences.
Do regular exercise. Physical activities like dancing or going for a walk
can distract you from your current mood, and help get rid of anxious
or angry energy.
Eat a healthy diet. This can help you have the right nutrients and
energy to cope with things when you're having a difficult time.
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DBT is what has really helped me. I still take meds, but
sometimes wish that I had known about DBT before I just said
yes to pills.
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You might also find other talking treatments can help you, for example:
C
ognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) a treatment which aims to
help you understand how your thoughts and beliefs affect your feelings
and behaviour. In the therapy sessions you learn to replace negative
thinking patterns with more positive ones. (See our online booklet
Making sense of CBT for more information.)
C
ognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) CAT combines CBT's practical
methods with a focus on the relationship between you and your
therapist. This can help you reflect on how you relate to people,
including yourself, and why these patterns have developed.
ther talking therapies you might find other talking treatments useful,
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such as psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy or arts therapy.
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Bipolar disorder
Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder are very similar to BPD, such as:
mood swings between extreme emotions
impulsive or risky behaviour
suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviour.
Because of this, mental health professionals might find it hard to work out
if you are experiencing BPD or bipolar disorder, and you might be offered
treatment for bipolar disorder. (See our booklet Understanding bipolar
disorder for more information about this diagnosis.)
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Depression
Because feelings of low mood or suicidal thoughts might be the reason you
first speak to your doctor about your mental health, your GP might offer you
treatment for depression without realising that you are also experiencing
other symptoms, or referring you to a specialist. (See our booklet
Understanding depression for more information about this diagnosis.)
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Plan ahead. When the person you're supporting is feeling well, ask
them how you can help them best when they're unwell.
I have a friend who [...] goes for hot chocolate with me every
week. To know there is somebody who cares and has time for you,
even when you're not sure who you are ... that means the world.
Learn their triggers. Talk to your loved one and try to find out what
sort of situations or conversations might trigger negative thoughts
and emotions.
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hink about how you could help keep them safe. It can be scary
if you're worried someone you care about is hurting themself, or is
struggling with suicidal thoughts, but being prepared can help you
cope. (See our booklet How to support someone who feels suicidal
for more information.)
Learn more about BPD, and help to challenge stigma. BPD is a
complicated diagnosis, and your loved one might sometimes have to
deal with other people's misconceptions on top of trying to manage
their mental health problem.
Help them seek treatment and support. For example, you could offer
to go with them to appointments, or help them find an advocate.
Take care of yourself. Supporting someone else can be stressful.
Remember that your mental health is important too, and make sure
to look after yourself. Taking care of your own wellbeing can help
you maintain the energy, time and distance you need to be able
to help someone else. (See our booklet How to cope as a carer for
more information.)
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Useful contacts
Useful contacts
Mind Infoline
tel: 0300 123 3393
Open from 9am to 6pm,
Monday to Friday.
text: 86463
email: [email protected]
web: mind.org.uk
Our Infoline offers mental health
information and support. We can
provide details of Minds Legal Line,
and help you find local services
near you.
British Association for Counselling
and Psychotherapy (BACP)
tel: 01455 88 33 00
web: bacp.co.uk
Information about counselling
and therapy. See sister website,
itsgoodtotalk.org.uk for details of
local practitioners.
BPD world
web: bpdworld.org
Provides information, advice and
support to people with BPD, their
families, friends and carers.
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NHS Choices
web: nhs.uk
Provides information on treatments
for BPD which are available through
the NHS.
National Institute for Health and
Care Excellence (NICE)
web: nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best
practice in health care, including
recommended treatments for BPD.
Samaritans
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
Chris PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
24-hour helpline: 08457 90 90 90
email: [email protected]
web: samaritans.org
24-hour emotional support for
anyone struggling to cope.
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Notes
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Notes
Further information
Support Mind
Mind
(National Association for Mental Health)
15-19 Broadway
London E15 4BQ
tel: 020 8519 2122
fax: 020 8522 1725
web: mind.org.uk
Mind
e're Mind, the mental health charity for
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England and Wales. We believe no one should
have to face a mental health problem alone.
We're here for you. Today. Now. We're on your
doorstep, on the end of a phone or online.
Whether you're stressed, depressed or in crisis.
We'll listen, give you advice, support and fight
your corner. And we'll push for a better deal
and respect for everyone experiencing a mental
health problem.
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
[email protected]
mind.org.uk