Neither Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) nor Bipolar Disorder is inherently "more" serious, as both are severe, chronic illnesses impacting life significantly, but they differ in symptom patterns and treatment focus; BPD involves pervasive instability in self-image, relationships, and emotions (often trauma-linked), while Bipolar Disorder features distinct, longer episodes of mania/hypomania and depression (often biochemical), with Bipolar responding better to mood stabilizers and BPD often needing intensive psychotherapy like DBT, though co-occurring diagnoses are possible and complex.
One isn't worse than the other. They're both lifelong mental health conditions that require medication and therapy. It's also possible to be diagnosed with both BPD and bipolar disorder. In those instances, it can be even more difficult to treat because the conditions can aggravate each other.
The physical and mental health impact of this disorder is so severe that life expectancy among people who have BPD is about 20 years less than the national average.
Don't…
Yes, it is possible to be happy when you have borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is a treatable condition, and with the right help, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilling life. Seek professional help. The first step to managing BPD is to seek professional help.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most painful mental health conditions because individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.
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.
Conflicts and disagreements are difficult for people with BPD, as they interpret these as signals of uncaring or relationship termination, generating feelings of anger and shame.
Jobs that draw on empathy, communication, and understanding, traits often strengthened by lived experience with BPD, can also be deeply rewarding. Examples include: Teaching assistant or education support worker. Counsellor, peer support, or mental health worker.
BPD anger can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the intensity of the emotions and whether the person has coping strategies in place. Some people may experience quick, explosive outbursts that disappear as suddenly as they started, while others may remain agitated for much longer.
Look after your physical health
Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at high risk for early death from suicide and other causes, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
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.
Although ADHD and BPD are both marked by challenges with emotional regulation, the consequences of emotional dysregulation tend to be more severe in BPD. As mentioned above, individuals with BPD may engage in self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts to cope with their overwhelming emotions.
Commonly-prescribed mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants for those with BPD include:
In Bipolar Disorder, mood swings typically last for weeks to months, with distinct periods of mania/hypomania and depression. Conversely, individuals with BPD experience rapid mood shifts that can occur within hours or days, often triggered by interpersonal conflicts or perceived abandonment.
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).
Impulsivity & Self-Harm Risks
The impulsivity associated with BPD can pose significant safety challenges when living alone. Without external oversight or support, acting on self-destructive urges becomes logistically easier, whether related to self-harm or other risk-taking behaviors.
BPD symptoms (e.g. dissociation) can interfere with concentration and commitment to complete assigned tasks. All-or-nothing thinking means you may idealise your education or job until something like a poor result or review makes you devalue it and give it all up.
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.
A pattern of severe mood changes over hours or days. Extreme anger and problems controlling anger. Strong, up-and-down relationships with family and friends that can go quickly from very close to anger and hatred. Extreme fear of and reactions to abandonment, and extreme behaviors to avoid abandonment.
Clinicians can be reluctant to make a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). One reason is that BPD is a complex syndrome with symptoms that overlap many Axis I disorders. This paper will examine interfaces between BPD and depression, between BPD and bipolar disorder, and between BPD and psychoses.
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect. Losing a parent.
In particular, diets that are frequently high in sugar and processed foods can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety. Foods in this category include: soft drinks, fast foods, cookies and candy.
Up to 50% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. BPD-related psychosis typically differs from other psychotic disorders as symptoms are usually brief, stress-triggered, and the person often maintains some reality testing.