It is a disorder where the individual has frequent mood swings, unstable social and personal relationships, and unstable emotional state of mind.
A person’s upbringing may have a bearing on whether or not they acquire the condition. Typically, people who suffer from this disorder have had a traumatic childhood. Some of the most prevalent causes of this condition include upbringing issues (such as poor parent-child connections), childhood trauma (such as neglect or sexual abuse), peer pressure (such as bullying or emotional blackmail), and so on. A violent childhood builds in the individual the need to present excessively defensive behaviours, which leads to the perpetual fear of abandonment.
Main features
fear of abandonment
One of the most striking aspects is the fear of isolation or abandonment. They always live with the fear of being abandoned, of not being cared for or left alone. This fear is one of the most present aspects, even in the initial stages. Fears can run to such extremes that, in some situations, they end up voluntarily opting for isolation to prevent others from doing so, thus preferring to distance themselves from relationships before being abandoned.
intermittent rage
This fuels the fear of isolation. Due to the traumatic past, the simple actions and reactions of others around them can be interpreted by them as signs of rejection, neglect and isolation that make them angry for no apparent reason. This anger is often expressed with an intensity that is out of proportion to the actual situation.
mood swings
This is another common symptom of the disease. It doesn’t always have to be anger, sometimes it can be anxiety, fear, irritation and insecurity. Such mood swings make it very difficult to maintain a good social, personal and professional life.
interior empty
The feeling of emptiness is a recurrent report of those who suffer from this disorder. The emptiness becomes so intense to the point of not being able to fill it with one’s own company, and always needing the other, promoting an ever greater affective dependence and causing more and more suffering.
bad habits
Most patients with this disorder tend to indulge in common addictions such as extramarital sex, drugs or alcohol, etc., usually done to overcome the deep feeling of sadness and emptiness they have.
impulsive behaviour
For no reason or reason, people suffering from this disorder may take impulsive actions. It is not uncommon to see a person get into a relationship and then suddenly end it, or leave a seemingly stable job, or drop out of school.
self-depreciation
This is a very common problem. Due to constant neglect and abuse early in life, they can think of themselves as pretty bad. All of this also fuels the other symptoms.
the lens of the past
Most patients with Borderline Disorder tend to look at current challenges and situations through the lens of their traumatic past. For them, everything must end in abuse, neglect or some emotional stress. So they always tend to hedge against it instead of benefiting from the current situation.
suicidal intentions
Self-loathing, fear of isolation, and generally unstable emotional state can lead them to attempt suicide. Some attempts may be fake to attract attention while others may be real.
Treatment
Due to the disorders caused in the different social roles of the individual with the disease, follow-up with the psychologist and psychiatrist is extremely important.
The psychotherapy process is carried out in order to re-signify the experiences of the past, to then give voice and welcome this wounded inner child. In addition to helping to control impulses and better understand the meaning of behaviours, in order to reduce suffering and damage to relationships and productivity.
Psychiatric follow-up is also necessary for the comprehensive care of symptoms and to improve the clinical picture.
Online resources like Vittude make it easier to find a psychologist who is qualified to provide the necessary follow-up for each patient. Visit our website and check out for yourself all the opportunities offered!
