Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a very challenging and complex mental health issue that impacts not only the sufferer but everyone around them. A person with clinically diagnosed BPD runs the gamut of emotional stress points from low self-esteem to fear of being abandoned to depression and suicidal thoughts. Often people who find themselves in the throes of BPD are also dealing with other types of mental health issues like anxiety, substances abuse or other addictive behavior patterns. Fortunately, there are many options available with therapy and courses of prescribed medications that can help bring BPD under control.
For people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder there are many forms of valuable therapy options. Cognitive-behavioral therapy zeroes in on the destructive behavior patterns and strives to understand the thinking process that leads to them. Dialectical behavior therapy builds on the cognitive work by helping the sufferer develop new coping mechanisms to manage the destructive thoughts and actions. Psychodynamic therapy is the digging deep into the subconscious to unlock possible causes for BPD that a patient might not even be aware of. Once those issues are brought to the surface they can be properly dealt with.
Along with therapy, there have been many success stories achieved with medications to treat BPD. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed types of drugs to help a BPD patient. In more extreme cases, intense mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs can be administered.
Beyond the drug therapies there is also a common sense approach to managing Borderline Personality Disorder. Among these steps are making sure the sufferer adheres to a healthy diet and exercise program. It’s also vital to avoid mood altering substances that can provoke a downward turn in the recovery process. And no major decisions like moving or changing jobs should be made until the BPD is brought under control. As with other types of mental health issues, the first step is asking for help. No one should be alone on these types of journeys.
