Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common mental health diagnosis affecting an estimated 1% to 4% of Australians at some stage in their lives. This equates to approximately 260,000 to over a million individuals nationwide.
BPD is estimated to affect between 2 – 6 percent of Australians. Although BPD is said to be more common in women, this is probably because it is recognised less frequently in men, who may be less likely to seek treatment.
Now I know the truth: yes, people with BPD can live a normal life. It just takes time, care, and heart. “Normal” might look different, but it can still feel beautiful. At Alter Behavioral Health, people get that.
If you're having trouble coping with BPD, physical activity may help you regain control over your emotions and stabilize yourself. Activities like boxing, running, cycling or yoga might be helpful.
During a BPD episode, a person may display signs such as extreme anger, paranoia, or overwhelming sadness. They might lash out emotionally or withdraw completely. Episodes can also include impulsive behaviors, such as self-harm, reckless spending, or substance use, as a way to cope with their intense feelings.
People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) split as a subconscious defense mechanism to cope with overwhelming emotions, particularly fear of abandonment and intense feelings of anxiety, by viewing themselves, others, or situations in black-and-white, all-or-nothing terms (good vs. bad) instead of integrating complex, contradictory qualities. This protects them from pain by simplifying a confusing world, but it leads to rapid shifts between idealizing someone as perfect and devaluing them as terrible, often after minor perceived slights or triggers.
BPD Meltdown
During a meltdown, people may experience extreme mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty calming down. Understanding how BPD contributes to meltdowns is crucial for developing coping strategies and providing support to manage and navigate these overwhelming emotional experiences.
The 24-hour rule is meant to encourage patients to seek help from the therapist at earlier stages of a crisis while the therapist can still offer assistance and not after the patient has already chosen maladaptive behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
DBT includes group and individual therapy designed to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage your emotions, handle distress and understand relationships better.
Why BPD Symptoms Peak in Early Adulthood. In the 20s, identity formation and independence conflict with emotional vulnerability. Research shows impulsivity and mood swings occur most frequently between the ages of 18-25.
Fear of Abandonment & Being Alone
For many with BPD, the fear of abandonment represents one of the most challenging aspects of living alone. This core symptom can trigger intense emotional responses when physically separated from others for extended periods.
Explains borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).
No medicine is currently licensed to treat BPD. While medicine isn't recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, there's evidence that it may be helpful for certain problems in some people.
Daily Oral Memantine Attenuated the Severity of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.
found that 32% of the borderline patients in the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD) were married or living with someone and 27% were parents (Zanarini, Frankenburg, Reich, Hennen, & Silk, 2005).
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods may also help alleviate symptoms of BPD. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, which are common in individuals with BPD.
The "3 C's of BPD" typically refer to advice for loved ones of someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, reminding them: "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, I can't control it," to help set boundaries and avoid taking on undue responsibility for the person's actions or illness. Another set of "C's" describes core BPD traits for individuals: Clinginess (fear of abandonment), Conflict (intense relationships/moods), and Confusion (unstable self-image).
Consuming something sour engages the senses in a way that can momentarily shift your focus away from overwhelming emotions, offering a brief respite akin to other sensory-based anxiety relief techniques.
People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are triggered by intense emotions, particularly fear of abandonment, rejection, and invalidation, often stemming from past trauma, leading to reactions like sudden anger or self-harm when feeling criticized, alone, or facing instability, sudden changes, or perceived neglect, according to sources like Borderline in the ACT. Common triggers include relationship conflicts, cancelled plans, perceived or real abandonment, reminders of trauma, or unmet needs like sleep, disrupting their fragile sense of self and emotional regulation.
How can I help myself in the longer term?
For someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD), change is less consciously determined. Transformation for such a person is more reflexive, less rehearsed. The borderline chameleon changes depending on the environment and who is present, constantly struggling to fit in.
For smarter goal-setting with BPD, try these strategies: Set realistic and specific goals: Start small and specific. Instead of a vague "get in shape," try "exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week." This clear, achievable goal will help build a sense of accomplishment and create forward momentum.
People with borderline personality disorder have a strong fear of abandonment or being left alone. Even though they want to have loving and lasting relationships, the fear of being abandoned often leads to mood swings and anger. It also leads to impulsiveness and self-injury that may push others away.
Common symptoms of BPD psychosis include: Visual hallucinations. Gustatory hallucinations (strange or unpleasant tastes) Olfactory hallucinations (smells and aromas that aren't actually present) Tactile hallucinations (feeling someone or something touching a person's skin or beneath the skin)
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