People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may engage in certain behaviors or patterns that can exacerbate their symptoms and make their condition worse. Some of these common factors include:
Unstable Relationships: People with BPD may struggle with maintaining stable and healthy relationships due to their fear of abandonment, intense emotions, and difficulties with trust. Engaging in tumultuous relationships that involve constant conflicts and emotional upheaval can worsen their symptoms.
Impulsive Behaviors: Impulsivity is a hallmark of BPD. Engaging in reckless behaviors such as substance abuse, binge eating, overspending, self-harm, or risky sexual activities can further contribute to emotional distress and negatively impact their mental health.
Self-Harm: Many individuals with BPD may resort to self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or feelings of emptiness. However, self-harm can create a dangerous cycle and lead to more emotional turmoil.
Emotional Avoidance: People with BPD might try to avoid or suppress intense emotions, which can backfire and lead to emotional dysregulation and a sense of detachment from oneself.
Negative Thinking Patterns: Individuals with BPD may be prone to negative thinking, self-criticism, and catastrophic interpretations of events, which can perpetuate their emotional instability.
Splitting: "Splitting" is a defense mechanism common in BPD, where individuals tend to view people or situations in extremes of all-good or all-bad. This black-and-white thinking can lead to difficulties in maintaining stable relationships and exacerbate emotional distress.
Isolating Themselves: Some people with BPD may withdraw from social interactions or isolate themselves due to fear of rejection or intense emotional reactions to social situations. Isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and exacerbate symptoms.
Non-Adherence to Treatment: Treatment for BPD often involves therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Non-compliance with treatment plans or avoiding therapy can hinder progress and prevent skill development to cope with symptoms effectively.
Engaging in Drama or Conflict: Some individuals with BPD may unconsciously gravitate towards drama or create conflicts in their lives, further contributing to emotional instability and difficulties in relationships.
Self-Sabotage: Due to feelings of unworthiness or fear of success, people with BPD might engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that hinder their personal growth and achievement of goals.
It's essential to note that BPD is a complex mental health condition, and not everyone with BPD will exhibit all of these behaviors. Additionally, individuals with BPD can learn healthier coping strategies and develop skills to manage their symptoms through therapy and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, seeking professional help from a mental health expert is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.