What Is a ‘Quiet’ Borderline?

Keisha had never been what anyone would call an extrovert. She was an observer and a listener, which can sometimes just be other words for shy. She rarely liked to put herself out there, but when she did, she went all-in. Her relationships were extremely important to her, far more than the people in them […] read more

On December 26th, 2013, posted in: Mental Health by Tags: ,

Back From the Border: Recovery From BPD

Tara’s husband tells me how far his wife has come since the early days of their relationship and while he talks, Tara leans into him, sometimes nodding, occasionally smiling. I know the couple from a workshop for families of borderline personality disorder sufferers I help to coordinate. read more

BPD and PTSD: Symptom Overlap

Charlie was like most of the women sitting in her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recovery group. She’d experienced intense feelings of abandonment, fear and repeated instances of trauma. Her mother had been addicted to crack cocaine during Charlie’s elementary school years and had taken Charlie with her into places no adult should go, let alone […] read more

On December 11th, 2013, posted in: Mental Health by Tags:

Borderline Personality Disorder Differences Between Adolescents and Adults

The earlier that symptoms are recognized, the earlier treatment can begin, whether that’s management or recovery. Two doctors took that well-known truth and applied it to helping recognize early symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents and adults. read more

Emotional Dysregulation in Borderline Personality Disorder

“Why do you always overreact to everything I say?” “You’re so sensitive.” “It seems like you’re just incredibly negative.” “I pretty much have to walk on eggshells whenever I’m around you for fear you’ll freak out about the most inconsequential things.” read more

Borderline Personality Disorder: ‘Manipulation’ Vs. Impulsivity

Shelly’s family had grown accustomed to what they considered her extreme reactions and attention-seeking behaviors, but friends, partly because they came and went so quickly, were often caught off guard. Even at 28, Shelly hadn’t yet figured out some friendship basics. read more

Borderline Personality Disorder: Stigma, Prejudice in Treatment World

When I was in training to become a psychotherapist, one of my field supervisors relayed a story about her own training at a major psychiatric facility. At the weekly team meeting, at which interns, supervisors and medical staff presented new cases, the medical director would often interrupt the presentations by making a gesture that stopped […] read more

Borderline Personality Disorder: A Story of Treatment

While studying to become a therapist, I had been warned about borderline personality disorder (BPD)—a condition that is considered notoriously difficult to treat. Borderlines, as some burnt-out professionals refer to people struggling with this disorder, have great difficulty regulating emotions. Often labeled drama kings or queens, tears, shouting, threats, physical violence and self-harm were all […] read more

Borderline Personality Disorder, One of the Most Misunderstood Illnesses

Self-mutilation, rocky relationships, intense dysphoria and rapid shifts in mood.  These are just a few of the tough issues that plague individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD). read more

Borderline Personality Disorder Subtypes Part I: The Discouraged Borderline

Brandy never seemed to grow out of her “emo kid” persona. At 23, she is still obsessed with dark, emotionally dense music and sad anime storylines. Her wardrobe is almost entirely black and she is never seen publically without heavily lined eyes—at once making her appear older and more experienced, yet simultaneously childlike and naïve. read more

On October 10th, 2013, posted in: Mental Health by Tags: