If you suspect your girlfriend has BPD or is experiencing difficulties, it's essential to encourage her to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
That said, here are some common signs that someone with BPD may be experiencing an episode:
Intense emotional reactions: People with BPD may have intense emotional responses that can quickly escalate. They might experience extreme sadness, anger, anxiety, or fear that seems disproportionate to the situation.
Mood swings: BPD can cause rapid and unpredictable changes in mood. Your girlfriend might seem happy and loving one moment and then suddenly become distant, irritable, or angry.
Fear of abandonment: Individuals with BPD often have a strong fear of being abandoned or rejected. During an episode, this fear may be more pronounced, leading to clingy or desperate behaviors to avoid perceived abandonment.
Impulsivity: BPD can lead to impulsive behaviors, such as overspending, substance abuse, self-harm, reckless driving, or engaging in risky sexual activities.
Unstable self-image: Your girlfriend might have a shaky sense of self-identity, which can affect her relationships and decision-making during an episode.
Difficulty in relationships: During an episode, individuals with BPD may struggle to maintain stable relationships due to their intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties.
Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors: Episodes of severe emotional distress can increase the risk of suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm as a coping mechanism.
Splitting: Your girlfriend might engage in "splitting," where she views people as either all good or all bad, which can affect her perception and interactions with others.
Dissociation: BPD episodes can sometimes trigger dissociation, where individuals feel disconnected from their thoughts, emotions, or even reality.
It is essential to remember that everyone's experience with BPD is unique, and not all individuals with the disorder will exhibit the same symptoms during an episode. Encouraging your girlfriend to seek professional help from a mental health specialist, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can provide her with the support and treatment needed to manage BPD effectively.