Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how you perceive yourself and interact with others. People with BPD often experience intense and fluctuating emotions, impulsive behaviours, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. While BPD can be challenging, effective treatment options are available.

Symptoms of BPD

Here are some common symptoms of BPD:

• Emotional dysregulation: People with BPD may experience intense emotions that swing rapidly. These emotions can feel overwhelming and lead to difficulty managing daily life.
• Impulsive behaviours: BPD can involve impulsive actions in various areas, such as spending sprees, substance abuse, unsafe sex, or reckless driving.
• Unstable relationships: Fear of abandonment is a hallmark of BPD. This fear can lead to intense efforts to cling to relationships or dramatic shifts from idealisation to devaluation of partners and friends.
• Unstable self-image: People with BPD may struggle with a shaky sense of self-identity. Their self-worth may fluctuate based on external validation or perceived rejection.
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm: BPD can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with intense emotions.

Potential Causes of BPD

The exact causes of BPD are unknown, but it’s likely a combination of factors. Here are some potential contributors:

• Genetics: BPD may be more common in families with a history of mental illness.
• Brain development: Differences in brain structure or function might play a role.
• Environmental factors: Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse can increase the risk of BPD.

How Dr. Jo Gee Can Help

Dr. Jo Gee and her team specialise in helping individuals manage BPD symptoms and build a more fulfilling life. They understand the complexities of BPD and offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including:

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This gold-standard treatment equips individuals with skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, improve communication, and build healthy relationships.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviours.
• Individual psychotherapy: Therapy sessions provide a safe space to explore your experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and build self-compassion.

Taking the Next Step

Living with BPD can be challenging, but it’s important to know you’re not alone. Dr. Jo Gee and her team offer a supportive environment and effective treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and build a life you value. If you suspect you or someone you know may have BPD, reach out to Dr. Jo Gee’s practice for a consultation.