Mental health can be complex, especially when it comes to personality disorders. If someone you love has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder—or if you think you might be experiencing it yourself—it’s completely natural to have questions. At WFMC Health, we believe in making mental health information easy to understand and free of stigma. Let’s break down what BPD is, how it can show up in daily life, and how support and treatment can be helpful.

What is BPD?

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that affects how a person relates to others, manages emotions, and sees themselves. People with BPD often feel things very deeply and intensely, and those feelings can shift quickly.

It’s not about being “too emotional” or dramatic. It’s about living with intense emotional pain and struggling to feel stable in relationships, thoughts, and moods.

Borderline Personality Disorder WFMC Health

Common Signs and Symptoms

BPD can look a little different from person to person, but here are some common signs:

  • Big mood swings that come on quickly and feel hard to control
  • Fear of being abandoned, even when there’s no clear reason
  • Struggles with identity, like not feeling sure of who you are or what you want
  • Unstable relationships, often swinging between closeness and conflict
  • Impulsive behaviors, like reckless spending, binge eating, or substance use
  • Self-harming or suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Constant or recurring feelings of emptiness
  • Intense anger or difficulty controlling anger

If any of these symptoms sound familiar (for you or someone close to you) it may be worth talking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

How BPD Affects Relationships and Daily Life

One of the hardest parts of BPD is how it impacts personal relationships. People with BPD may deeply fear rejection or abandonment, which can lead to intense reactions if they feel misunderstood or left out.

This can create a push-pull dynamic in close relationships—wanting to be close to someone, but feeling overwhelmed by fear or mistrust.

It’s important to remember that these behaviors are not intentional or meant to hurt others. They typically come from a place of deep emotional pain and an intense need for connection and security.

Can BPD Be Treated?

The right support can significantly help individuals living with BPD. Effective options can include:

  • Therapy, especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is a type of talk therapy that teaches tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and improving relationships
  • Medication, if co-occurring mental health conditions (like anxiety or depression) are also present
  • Support groups or community programs for ongoing connection and coping skills

How You Can Support Someone with BPD

If someone you care about is living with BPD, your support matters more than you might realize. It can be hard at times (especially if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through), but compassion and patience can go a long way.

Here are a few ways to help:

  • Listen without judgment and with patience. Help them feel heard when they’re talking about what they’re experiencing.
  • Encourage professional help, like reaching out to a licensed therapist, and support them through the process
  • Learn about the condition so you can better understand certain behaviors, reactions, or triggers.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder can bring unique challenges, but it’s important to know that help is available—and that progress is possible. With compassion, the right support, and an intentional care plan, individuals with BPD can create strong boundaries and build healthier relationships. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself or supporting someone you love, know that taking the step to learn more is a powerful beginning.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.