BPD Awareness

This is a page dedicated to BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) awareness and support. I was diagnosed at the age of 16 and have suffered from its negativity for over 15 years. Each day is a struggle and, hopefully, this page will allow others to learn more about the illness. I am always here to listen to anyones mental health struggles and if you need a lending ear to vent to, I am here. I also suffer from extreme major depression and anxiety. So here is a collection of inspiring and educational things.

!! Suicide hotline number: (USA) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) any time of day. !!

FACTS:

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable relationships. With borderline personality disorder, you have an intense fear of abandonment or instability, and you may have difficulty tolerating being alone. Yet inappropriate anger, impulsiveness and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you want to have loving and lasting relationships. Borderline personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood. The condition seems to be worse in young adulthood and may gradually get better with age. - mayoclinic

Signs and symptoms


An intense fear of abandonment, even going to extreme measures to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection
A pattern of unstable intense relationships, such as idealizing someone one moment and then suddenly believing the person doesn't care enough or is cruel
Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that include shifting goals and values, and seeing yourself as bad or as if you don't exist at all
Periods of stress-related paranoia and loss of contact with reality, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours
Impulsive and risky behavior, such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, spending sprees, binge eating or drug abuse, or sabotaging success by suddenly quitting a good job or ending a positive relationship
Suicidal threats or behavior or self-injury, often in response to fear of separation or rejection
Wide mood swings lasting from a few hours to a few days, which can include intense happiness, irritability, shame or anxiety
Ongoing feelings of emptiness
Inappropriate, intense anger, such as frequently losing your temper, being sarcastic or bitter, or having physical fights

Causes

1) Genetics. Some studies of twins and families suggest that personality disorders may be inherited or strongly associated with other mental health disorders among family members.
2) Brain abnormalities. Some research has shown changes in certain areas of the brain involved in emotion regulation, impulsivity and aggression. In addition, certain brain chemicals that help regulate mood, such as serotonin, may not function properly.
3) Hereditary predisposition. You may be at a higher risk if a close relative, your mother, father, brother or sister — has the same or a similar disorder.
4) Stressful childhood. Many people with the disorder report being sexually or physically abused or neglected during childhood. Some people have lost or were separated from a parent or close caregiver when they were young or had parents or caregivers with substance misuse or other mental health issues. Others have been exposed to hostile conflict and unstable family relationships.

BPD is NOT:

Attention seeking
Manipulation
Toxic

Affirmations:


Links:

mayoclinic
NIMH
NEA BPD
WIKI
WebMD

Books I Recommend:

I've read some of these but others are highly recommended by therapists. Ive provided links to where you can buy them as well.

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