Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is also sometimes called Emotionally Unstable PD (EUPD). There are also other Personality Disorder types, which can overlap with BPD symptoms. The term 'Borderline' was originally used because doctors used to think it was on the border between two different disorders - Neurosis and Psychosis.

See NHS Inform for further information of BPD.

Everyone is an individual, and no 2 people with this diagnosis have exactly the same combination of symptoms.

The main symptoms are:-

• Intense, highly changeable moods.
• Long lasting feelings of emptiness.
• Extreme reactions to feeling abandoned.
• Regular self-harming, suicidal thoughts, intent or behaviours.
• Unstable, intense relationships with others.
• Confused feeling about your identity. (Not being sure what your identity is/switching identity according to who you are with.)
• Being impulsive in ways that could be damaging. For example - overspending, sex with multiple partners, substance abuse (alcohol, over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, illegal or street drugs), reckless driving and binge eating.
• Difficulty controlling your anger. For example, losing your temper or getting into fights.
• Feeling paranoid, hearing voices or seeing things that are not really there when you are stressed.

Having a diagnosis of Personality Disorder does not make you a bad person.

Everyone is an individual, and different things work for different people. 

• Take a minute out and try to slow down your breathing
• Reassure yourself
• Seek out people who can help you - friends/family/professional
• Stay away from people who won't help you

STOP Skill

   S - Stop for a minute

   T - Take a breath/Take a step back from the situation

   O - Observe what is happening (what are you thinking/feeling)

   P - Proceed mindfully - think about your actions

TIPP 

   T - Temperature (splash your face with water, or use ice pack)

   I - Intense exercise - even just for a short while

   P - Paced breathing (trying to slow your breathing down or breathe in for 5 and out for 7)

   P - Pairing muscle relaxation with your breathing

Please find further resources on the BPD coping skills leaflet developed by the BPD Dialogues lived experience group 

NHS Inform has more information relating to personality disorder

NHS24 Available 24hrs - 7 days a week. Dial 111.

Breathing Space Mon-Thu 6pm - 2am. 24hr support from Fri 6pm - Mon 6am. Dial 0800 83 85 87.

Samaritans 24hrs - 7 days a week. Dial 116 123. 

Shout 24hrs - 7 days a week. Text 85258.

Borderline and Beyond Patient Leaflet can be found here.

BPD Dialogues Group - The BPD Dialogues Group is a unique initiative that brings together individuals with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who have first hand experience using NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde services.

BPD coping skills leaflet developed by the BPD Dialogues lived experience group 

Get Support Now

Some people find that talking with friends and family about their feelings can be a real source of support for coping with distress or suicidal thoughts. It might be helpful for them to map their support network and think about people they could call if their feeling suicidal. Other people may prefer to seek more professional support or call a helpline such as Breathing Space, Samaritans or Shout.

• Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87
• Samaritans: Call 116 123
• SHOUT Crisis Text service also available 24/7 Text SHOUT to 85258

For some people they may be finding it difficult to cope and may think of ending their life, if you are concerned about your mental health and wellbeing, you can contact your G.P. within opening hours. If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 999 for assistance.