Borderline Personality Disorder: What It Is and How to Manage It

Did you know that about 2% of adults live with borderline personality disorder (BPD)? If you or someone you love shows intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, or impulsive behavior, this guide can help you make sense of it.

Common Signs and Symptoms

BPD often feels like an emotional roller‑coaster. People may experience sudden anger, deep sadness, or anxiety that flips in minutes. A typical sign is a strong fear of being left alone – even a minor argument can trigger panic.

Other frequent symptoms include:

• Rapidly changing self‑image (you might feel confident one moment and worthless the next).
• Impulsive actions such as reckless spending, binge eating, or risky sex.
• Frequent feeling of emptiness that’s hard to describe.
• Intense, unstable relationships that swing from idealization to devaluation.

If you notice several of these patterns persisting for months, it’s worth talking to a mental‑health professional. Diagnosis usually involves a clinical interview and checking against the DSM‑5 criteria.

Treatment Options and Everyday Coping

Good news: BPD is treatable. The most effective therapies combine skill‑building with emotional support. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical tools for managing distress, like mindfulness exercises and crisis survival strategies. Some people also benefit from Mentalization‑Based Treatment (MBT), which helps them understand their own thoughts and the intentions of others.

Medication isn’t a primary cure, but doctors may prescribe mood stabilizers or low‑dose antidepressants to ease specific symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Beyond formal therapy, daily habits can make a big difference. Keeping a simple journal to track triggers and emotions helps you spot patterns before they spiral. Regular physical activity—walking, yoga, or short home workouts—releases endorphins that calm mood swings.

Building a reliable support network is crucial. Let friends or family know what’s helpful (for example, listening without judgment) and set clear boundaries to protect your energy.

If you feel overwhelmed, the “STOP” technique works well: Stop what you’re doing, Take a few deep breaths, Observe your thoughts, Plan one small step forward. This short pause can stop an impulsive reaction before it escalates.

Remember, recovery isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Celebrate tiny victories—like completing a DBDB skill worksheet or resisting an urge to overspend. Over time those small wins add up to lasting change.

If you’re searching for resources, look for reputable online BPD communities, local support groups, or mental‑health apps that reinforce DBT skills. Professional help combined with everyday self‑care creates the strongest foundation for a steadier life.