When someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is upset or angry, their behavior can be intense and unpredictable due to difficulties in emotional regulation and impulse control. It's important to note that not all individuals with BPD will react in the same way, and behavior can vary widely among individuals. However, there are some common patterns of behavior that might be observed in someone with BPD when they are upset or angry:
Emotional Intensity: People with BPD often experience emotions more intensely than others. When upset or angry, they might display extreme emotional reactions, such as intense sadness, anxiety, or rage.
Fear of Abandonment: Upset or angry individuals with BPD may express a strong fear of abandonment or rejection. They might become clingy, seek excessive reassurance, or act out to avoid perceived abandonment.
Splitting: BPD is often characterized by a tendency to see things in black-and-white terms, known as splitting. When upset, they may shift from idealizing someone to devaluing them, seeing them as all good or all bad.
Impulsivity: During emotional distress, individuals with BPD may engage in impulsive behaviors, such as self-harm, substance abuse, reckless driving, or impulsive spending.
Self-Harming Behaviors: Some individuals with BPD may resort to self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning, as a way to cope with intense emotions.
Verbal Outbursts: When angry, they may have difficulty controlling their emotions, leading to verbal outbursts, yelling, or even threats.
Sensitivity to Perceived Slights: People with BPD might be hypersensitive to perceived criticism or rejection. Minor comments or actions that others might not find hurtful could be deeply upsetting to them.
Push-Pull Dynamic: When upset or angry, they might engage in a push-pull dynamic in their relationships, seeking closeness and then pushing others away.
Split-Second Mood Shifts: Mood swings can be rapid and intense for someone with BPD. They might go from feeling devastated to euphoric or from anger to deep sadness quickly.
It's important to remember that these behaviors are a manifestation of the intense emotional turmoil individuals with BPD experience and are not a deliberate attempt to harm others. The behavior stems from their struggles with emotional regulation and difficulties in coping with distressing emotions.
If you have a loved one with BPD or if you have BPD yourself, seeking help from mental health professionals who specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder can be beneficial. They can provide strategies and support to manage emotions, improve communication, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms.