Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder comes under the umbrella of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorders and is a complex condition that can significantly impact your life and the lives of those around you. If you have been diagnosed with BPD/EUPD, understanding the disorder, the symptoms, and your available treatment options is really important, both for you and your support network.

If you have been diagnosed with BPD/EUPD, you are probably experiencing unstable emotions and self-image, having problems with relationships, experiencing intense mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty managing your emotions.

In a Nutshell

BPD and EUPD Symptoms

BPD and EUPD are characterised by strong emotions, unstable relationships and impulsive behaviour

Intense Fear of Abandonment

You may go to extreme lengths to avoid real or imagined abandonment leading to turbulent relationships.

Unstable Relationships

You may have pattern of unstable and intense relationships characterised by idealisation and devaluation of others.

Identity Disturbance

You may have a distorted sense of yourself, or your self-image, which can lead to feelings of emptiness and instability.

Impulsive Behaviour

You may be impulsive and unable to control urges: reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, or risky sexual behaviour.

Emotional Instability

You may have rapid and intense mood swings, triggered by interpersonal stressors and problems controlling your anger.

Chronic Feelings of Emptiness

You may have a persistent feeling of emptiness and loneliness, even though you spend a lot of time and effort to fill the void.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosis

Diagnosing BPD and EUPD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This evaluation may include a review of symptoms, medical history, and possibly psychological testing to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options

  1. Therapy: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is the gold standard treatment for BPD and EUPD. We will focus on teaching you skills to manage your emotions, increase distress tolerance, improve your relationships, and reduce any impulsive behaviours.
  2. Medication: While medication alone is not generally the primary treatment for BPD and EUPD, some medications may be prescribed to you for specific symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or unstable moods.
  3. Supportive Services: Support groups and peer-led programmes can provide you with a sense of community and understanding. These programmes offer you validation, encouragement and practical coping strategies.
  4. Self-care Strategies: Developing healthy coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and stress management will really help you with managing your symptoms and promoting your overall well-being.

You CAN Learn to Manage Your Symptoms

While BPD/EUPD presents unique challenges, with proper understanding and treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Seeking professional help, building a support network, and practicing self-care are essential first steps towards your recovery. By fostering empathy, awareness, and education, others can create a more supportive environment for you and help you to thrive.

Remember, moving forward is possible, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

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