Victoria Ulrich

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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?



Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days. Even though borderline personality disorder is more common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it is still one of the most unknown or least understood mental illnesses. Studies show that women are more likely to have this disorder, rather than men.  Symptoms vary for different people but some of the most common signs and symptoms of BPD are :


having unstable or dysfunctional self image

feelings of isolation

difficulty feeling empathy for others

a history of unstable relationships that can change drastically from intense love to intense hate,

a fear of abandonment and rejection

Intense mood changes or swings

Strong feelings of anxiety, worry, and depression

Impulsive, risky, self-destructive and dangerous behaviors, including reckless driving, drug or alcohol abuse and having unsafe sex

And many others. People with Borderline Personality Disorder normally experience more than one symptom at a time, and everyone will experience different ones.

Around 80% of people with borderline personality disorder display suicidal behaviors. Studies show that it is predicted that 4 out of 9 percent of people with BPD will die from suicide. If you or someone you know is displaying suicide thoughts or actions get help immediately.

Although people struggle with this mental illness for life, there are many solutions and treatments that can decrease some symptoms. There is different kinds of therapy you can seek for BPD. You can also see your doctor to be subscribed medication to try and help the anxiety and mood swing portion of BPD. You can also do healthy self care such as exercise, good sleep habits, healthy diets, etc.

Celebrities diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder are Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty, Britney Spears, Princess Diana, Angelina Jolie- Pitt, and many more.

Borderline personality Disorder is a very common mental illness but not very well known. I think it is important that people have better knowledge on this disorder because it affects many people and many relationships.