Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Sometimes
I struggle to understand who I am. My emotions can feel overwhelming, and my
relationships can become very intense. Does this mean something is wrong?
Questions like these are common among people who experience intense emotions
and difficulties in relationships. Such experiences do not automatically mean
that someone has a personality disorder. However, when these patterns are
persistent and significantly affect relationships, self-image and everyday
life, professional assessment can be very helpful.
What Is
Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline
Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how a
person regulates emotions, views themselves and relates to other people. People
living with BPD may experience emotions very intensely, and they may find it
difficult to return to a sense of emotional balance after a stressful event.
These patterns can affect relationships, decision-making and overall wellbeing,
but they are not a reflection of a person’s worth or character.
Common
Signs and Symptoms
BPD
presents differently from one person to another. Common experiences include
intense and rapidly changing emotions, a strong fear of rejection or
abandonment, and relationships that feel unstable or intense. Some people have
an uncertain or changing sense of identity, and many describe feelings of
emptiness. Difficulty managing anger, impulsive or risky behaviour, and
difficulty trusting others are also common. During periods of intense stress,
some people feel disconnected from themselves or from their surroundings.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviours can occur and always deserve
careful, compassionate attention.
Having
some of these experiences does not necessarily mean that someone has BPD. A
diagnosis should only be made after a comprehensive assessment by a qualified
mental health professional, who will consider the full picture of a person’s
life.
What
Causes BPD?
There
is no single known cause of Borderline Personality Disorder. Research suggests
that its development may involve a combination of genetic and biological
factors, individual temperament, childhood and developmental experiences,
trauma or significant adversity, and family and social environments. Not
everyone who experiences trauma develops BPD, and having BPD does not
necessarily mean that a person experienced childhood trauma. Understanding the
many possible influences can help reduce blame, both for individuals and for
their families.
Treatment
and Recovery
Borderline
Personality Disorder is treatable. With appropriate therapy and ongoing
support, many people learn to manage their emotions, develop healthier
relationships and experience significant improvements in their quality of life.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the best-researched approaches.
It helps individuals develop skills for managing intense emotions, coping with
distress, improving relationships and reducing harmful behaviours. Other
structured psychological therapies may also help people better understand their
thoughts, emotions and relationship patterns.
There
is no medication designed specifically to treat BPD itself. However, medication
may sometimes be prescribed to manage particular co-occurring symptoms, such as
depression, anxiety or sleep difficulties. Treatment should always be
individualised and developed in partnership with a qualified mental health
professional.
When to
Seek Help
Consider
seeking professional support when emotional difficulties, impulsive behaviours
or relationship challenges are persistent, distressing or interfering with everyday
life. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feel unable
to keep yourself safe, seek urgent professional or emergency help and involve
someone you trust straight away.
Living
Well With BPD
A
diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder does not define who a person is.
With appropriate treatment, support and a commitment to recovery, individuals
living with BPD can develop stronger coping skills, build meaningful
relationships and lead fulfilling lives. Families and partners can also benefit
from education and support, so that they can respond to difficult moments with
understanding rather than fear.
At
Chiromo Hospital Group, we provide confidential, compassionate and
individualised assessment and treatment for personality disorders and other
mental health conditions. Understanding is the beginning. Treatment provides
the tools. Recovery is possible.
Where to
Find Help
If
you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Chiromo Hospital Group
Emergency Line at +254 203 971 000, or come to the nearest Chiromo Hospital
Group facility.
CHG Support
• Call Emergency Line +254 203 971 000
