Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Chats

Watch this video to learn about borderline personality disorder, also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder-

People with BPD experience great mood swings. These mood swings are intense, but they tend to pass fairly quickly (unlike the emotional swings of depression or bipolar disorder), usually lasting just a few minutes or hours. There could also feel a chronic feeling of emptiness; people with BPD often talk about feeling empty, as if there's a hole or a void inside them. 

Some chat situations you could come across: 

- I often feel "empty." 

- My emotions shift very quickly, and I often experience extreme sadness, anger, and anxiety.

- I'm constantly afraid that the people I care about will abandon me or leave me.

- I would describe most of my romantic relationships as intense, but unstable.

- The way I feel about the people in my life can dramatically change from one moment to the next—and I don't always understand why.

- I often do things I know are dangerous or bad for me, such as driving recklessly, having unsafe sex, binge drinking, doing drugs, or going on spending sprees.

- I've attempted to hurt myself, engaged in self-harm behaviors threatening suicide.

- When I'm feeling insecure in a relationship, I tend to lash out and make frantic gestures to keep the other person close. 

- I'm afraid of rejection, it seems like nobody cares about me. 

Chat help: 

- Have you tried any coping strategies to help you avoid lashing out? 

- You've mentioned feelings of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation. I just want to make sure are you currently safe right now? 

- I am sorry, you are afraid of rejection, I am sure there are people who care about you. How do you handle the fear of rejection? 

- It must be difficult to have such strong emotions, what healthy ways can you express them? 

- It is important never to tell a person with BPD that what they are feeling isn't real as it is very real to them. Always acknowledge their feelings such as 'I understand you are so angry, I am here for you.' Never say the opposite; 'I can not deal with you being angry, you need to cool down first and then reach out to me.'

How to respond to someone with BPD:

✅ Show love and compassion. 

✅ Be understanding, take your time with the member. 

✅ Encourage them to seek professional help such as DBT.

✅ Ask about their safety and ensure they are not in crisis during the chat with you.

✅ Always remember to put boundaries in place. 

✅ Be patient at all times.

A Helpful Resource:

DBT Skills: Wise Mind, Emotional Mind & Reasonable Mind 

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