bpd awareness month blog

Hey everyone, as its BPD awareness month, I wanted to make a mini blog for those who don't understand what BPD is, symptoms of it, how it is caused etc

First off, for those who don't know, BPD stands for Borderline Personality Disorder. It's a mental health condition characterised by significant instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self image and behaviour. People with BPD experience symptoms that could include:

-Intense, uncontrollable emotions

-Impulsive actions

-Fear of abandonment

-Often chronic feelings of emptiness

-Self harm and suicidal behaviours

-Identity disturbance

and way more symptoms.

Often, people mistake BPD for meaning Bipolar Disorder. These two disorders are completely different.

This personality disorder is not self-diagnoseable, and has to be addressed by a professional before you can confirm you have it.

This disorder can be inherited genetically, developed from environmental and childhood trauma, caused by brain chemistry and neglection etc.

As someone who struggles with BPD, I can tell you its not easy.

I struggle with quiet BPD.

Most people that know what BPD is suppose it means exploding at others, shouting or throwing when you get upset, but for me its actually the complete opposite. 

I implode. Instead of lashing out at you and making a big fuss, ill turn all of that intense anger, shame and worry completely onto myself. My splits happen in complete silence.

When i do get triggered, my first instinct is to isolate myself, hide away and act as if everything's fine, so I'm not a burden on everyone else. Sometimes I will let my emotions out somewhere where nobody really knows me, then I'll even feel guilty for that, and I'll over-apologise.

When my quiet BPD is triggered, I find it extremely hard to express my feelings, but more recently I've been trying to push myself out of that shell.

I've been diagnosed with anti-depressants and stabilisers, as well as DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), but if I'm completely honest only the latter works.

If somebody tells you they have BPD, the most you can do is be understanding towards them and be there for them when they're going through a hard time.

Grounding techniques that work for me are:

-The 5-4-3-2-1 method; 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.

-Temperature change; Stepping outside for fresh air, holding something cold or getting under a blanket.

-Naming my surroundings

-Deep breathing (overrated but it works for me)

This disorder isn't something to laugh at or make fun of, and its seriously life changing.

Thank you for taking your time to read this, please leave kudos so this blog can reach more people, and have a good day!