the general consensus among mental health professionals is that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and challenging mental health condition that affects an individual's emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. It is crucial to approach BPD with empathy and understanding, as individuals with this disorder often experience intense emotional pain and struggle with emotional regulation, self-identity, and maintaining stable relationships.
Regarding your second question, people suffering from BPD may have some awareness that their behavior causes problems and hurts others, but the degree of insight can vary significantly from one individual to another. BPD is characterized by emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, which can lead to impulsive actions and intense emotional reactions that may be difficult for them to control or fully comprehend at the moment.
In some cases, individuals with BPD may realize the negative impact of their behaviors and feel remorseful afterward. They might feel overwhelmed with guilt or shame when they realize the harm they've caused to others or their relationships. However, this awareness and remorse can be inconsistent, as the emotional turmoil associated with BPD can make it challenging to maintain a stable sense of self and emotions.
It's important to remember that BPD is a mental health condition, and individuals with BPD are not intentionally trying to hurt others. Their behaviors and reactions are often a manifestation of their internal struggles and coping mechanisms developed to deal with overwhelming emotions and experiences.
Many people with BPD may also experience a phenomenon known as "splitting" (as mentioned earlier) where they see things in extreme black-and-white terms. This can lead to difficulties in accurately perceiving their own actions and intentions or the actions and intentions of others.
Addressing BPD and its impact on relationships often involves professional therapy, particularly approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that focus on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Through therapy, individuals with BPD can develop healthier coping strategies, communication skills, and greater self-awareness, which can positively influence their interactions with others and their emotional well-being.