People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can engage in certain behaviors or actions that may exacerbate their symptoms. It's important to note that BPD is a complex and challenging mental health condition, and individuals with BPD may experience different symptoms and cope in various ways. Here are some common things that people with BPD might do that could make their symptoms worse:
Impulsive behaviors: Engaging in impulsive actions, such as reckless spending, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, or self-harm, can intensify feelings of distress and instability.
Avoiding treatment: Refusing or avoiding therapy or psychiatric treatment may hinder progress in managing symptoms and understanding the condition.
Self-isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and cutting off support networks may lead to increased feelings of loneliness and exacerbate feelings of abandonment and rejection.
Relationship difficulties: People with BPD might experience intense and unstable relationships due to fear of abandonment and emotional reactivity, which can heighten emotional turmoil.
Splitting: This is a defense mechanism where individuals see things as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. It can lead to intense and unstable perceptions of others and oneself.
Self-sabotaging behaviors: Engaging in behaviors that undermine personal or professional goals may reinforce feelings of inadequacy and failure.
Engaging in high-conflict situations: People with BPD might be more prone to getting involved in conflicts and arguments, which can escalate emotions and distress.
Poor emotion regulation: Difficulty managing and expressing emotions in a healthy manner can contribute to heightened emotional instability.
Idealization and devaluation: This pattern involves seeing someone as either perfect or completely negative, which can lead to intense mood swings and conflicts in relationships.
Negative self-talk: Constantly engaging in self-criticism and negative self-perception can intensify feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain can exacerbate mood swings and impair judgment.
Disregarding self-care: Neglecting physical and emotional well-being can contribute to increased stress and emotional dysregulation.
It's essential to recognize that people with BPD can experience significant distress, and these behaviors may be their way of coping with their intense emotions and fears of abandonment. Seeking professional help, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or other evidence-based treatments, can help individuals with BPD learn healthier coping strategies and improve their overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD or any mental health concerns, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional for support and guidance.