Thread by @plsimsensitive, i know that borderline personality disorder can manifest itself in different ways [...]

i know that borderline personality disorder can manifest itself in different ways for each individual; however, i wanted to write this thread on how i’ve personally experienced living with bpd.

i wanna start with explaining that bpd is a personality disorder that often develops due to trauma (although that isn’t always the case for everyone).
those with bpd have an overactive frontal lobe which is what controls the emotions & memory.

those with bpd experience pain & emotions on extremely levels similar to how others feel when they lose a loved one. this is why it’s often said those with bpd feel like they’re living through life with third-degree emotional burns and feel sensitive to everything.

some common misconceptions of bpd are that we are “manipulative” and “violent/dangerous” when really bpd symptoms/traits show themselves in
- fear of abandonment
- instability & mood swings
- impulsive behaviours
- unstable relationships
- suicidal & self-harming behaviours

- chronic feelings of emptiness
- extreme mood swings
- unstable self image or sense of self
- paranoid idealization, delusions or severe dissociation

living with bpd means you’re always feeling the extreme ends of everything. you’re not sad, you’re suicidal. you’re not annoyed, you’re furious. you’re not happy, you’re manic. i either feel everything so much or i feel nothing at all.

those with bpd continuously have to work on managing their emotions and controlling them which not only gets exhausting but it can be really difficult as we’re always having to deal with this and sometimes it can impair our decision making.

when we say we think differently it isn’t meant to come off “quirky” it’s because we process things differently to a point where we absorb too much and tend to shut down or act out depending on the situation. i never have just one thought in my head.

another thing those with bpd struggle with is “object constancy” which is when you’ve become attached to someone that any kind of distance whether it’s brief or not can trigger them re-experience the original pain of being left alone and it feels like starting all over.

getting support & treatment especially for bpd isn’t as easy as people think.. not only is mental health services already difficult to access, but those with bpd are often labeled as ‘difficult’, not taken as seriously and often times dismissed.

we live in constant fear of being abandoned by everyone, especially those closest to us... we also often don’t even know why we are feeling the way we do, and trust me we’re aware that we often react in extreme ways but that doesn’t mean we ARENT feeling that way because we are.

those with bpd tend to get obsessed with easily as well, which can show itself through obsessions of romantic interests,shows & characters, replaying old conversations or someone’s actions in your head, finding a new hobby you stick with for a couple weeks, apologizing profusely

some common triggers when it comes to bpd are
- being left on read
- negative facial expressions
- feeling suffocated
- overthinking & self doubt
- not enough sleep
- criticism & judgement

reminder that telling someone with bpd to just “calm down” is basically like pouring fuel on a fire and only causes more harm than is helpful in any way..

those with bpd also often have an FP (favourite person) this can become problematic though because they tend to become someone you idolize and then devalue easily depending on how they treat (or how you see it) it can become an unhealthy attachment and a repetitive cycle.

they basically become your source of emotional support & you tend to become very dependent on them which means they play a critical role in how your days can go considering the power they hold to affect you positively or negatively.

if you’re planning on dating someone with bpd here are some things you should know/remember
- our moods change a lot. this is not your fault most of the time, we just feel a lot and when we’re attached to someone our feelings get stronger.

- we probably think you’re going to leave us. if we ask you if you still like us it’s because we honestly don’t know if you still do, we need to hear it often.
- if we randomly get angry it’s usually because something triggered us. learn our triggers to help prevent it

- we feel emotions so intensely, this includes love & happiness. which means we really appreciate our relationships
- we don’t want to hurt you. when angry or upset we may feel the need to hurt you, run away or that we don’t love you. this isn’t tru & we immediately regret it

here are some of the beautiful gifts of bpd i’ve noticed
- compassion & deep empathy
- being creative & trying new things
- instantly picking up on the emotions of others
- infectious excitement
- high levels of determination
- being extremely loving & loyal

if you love someone who has borderline personality disorder tell them often!
people suffering with bpd tend to lack emotional permanence which means we may know you love us but we can’t remember what it felt like to be loved, which leaves us needing reassurance

Latest Threads Unrolled: