People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often experience intense emotions and have difficulty regulating them, especially in response to rejection or abandonment. Their reactions to rejection can vary widely based on individual differences, severity of their BPD symptoms, and their coping mechanisms. Here are some common ways people with BPD may react to rejection:
Intense emotional response: Rejection can trigger overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, or emptiness. They may experience emotional dysregulation, leading to impulsive behaviors or self-destructive actions.
Fear of abandonment: People with BPD often have an intense fear of being abandoned or rejected. When confronted with rejection, this fear can be amplified, leading to desperate attempts to avoid being left alone.
Idealization and devaluation: Before rejection, they may idealize the person who rejected them, seeing them as perfect or all-important. After rejection, they might shift to devaluing that person, viewing them as entirely negative and unworthy.
Efforts to re-establish connection: They may engage in desperate attempts to win back the person's affection or friendship, even if it means compromising their own boundaries.
Extreme reactions: Some individuals with BPD might engage in self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation as a response to rejection, particularly if they feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions.
As for the duration of their recovery from rejection, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It can vary significantly based on the individual's coping skills, support network, and the nature of the rejection. Some people with BPD may recover relatively quickly, while others may struggle to move on for an extended period. It's essential to remember that everyone processes emotions differently, and healing from rejection is a complex and individualized process.
Professional therapy and support from loved ones can significantly influence how long it takes for someone with BPD to cope with rejection. Therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms, emotional regulation skills, and ways to manage fear of abandonment. Additionally, having a supportive network of friends and family who can provide understanding and encouragement can contribute to their healing process.