When a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) says they can't trust their own thoughts and feelings, it typically reflects one of the core features and challenges associated with this mental health condition. BPD is a complex and often misunderstood disorder that affects a person's emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Here are some possible explanations for why they might express this sentiment:
Emotional Instability: Individuals with BPD often experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions. They might feel overwhelmed by emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety, which can lead to impulsive actions and decisions. This emotional rollercoaster can make it difficult for them to trust their thoughts and feelings since they may feel like they are constantly changing.
Identity Instability: A common struggle for people with BPD is a weak or unstable sense of self. They may have difficulty understanding who they are, what they truly want, and what their values and beliefs are. This lack of a stable identity can make them doubt their own thoughts and feelings, as they may not have a consistent internal framework to rely on.
Fear of Abandonment: BPD is often characterized by a deep-seated fear of being abandoned or rejected by others. This fear can lead individuals to second-guess their thoughts and emotions, particularly in the context of relationships. They may worry that their feelings are not valid or that expressing them might push others away.
Splitting: Splitting is a defense mechanism commonly seen in BPD where individuals tend to view people, situations, and themselves in extreme black-and-white terms, as all good or all bad. This cognitive distortion can cause them to doubt their own perceptions and judgments, leading to a lack of trust in their thoughts and feelings.
Past Trauma and Invalidating Environments: Many people with BPD have experienced significant trauma or grew up in environments where their emotions and experiences were invalidated or dismissed. This can lead to self-doubt and difficulty trusting their own thoughts and feelings.
Mood-Related Cognitive Changes: During periods of emotional dysregulation, cognitive processes can be affected, making it challenging to think rationally and clearly. Their thoughts and feelings might be influenced by the intensity of their emotions, further contributing to their sense of mistrust in themselves.
It's important to approach someone with BPD with empathy, understanding, and patience. If someone opens up about their struggles with trusting their thoughts and feelings, it may indicate that they are experiencing emotional turmoil and could benefit from professional support. Therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is one of the most effective treatments for BPD, helping individuals develop emotional regulation skills, cope with distress, and build a more stable sense of self.