Free yourself from the Impact of Borderline Personality Disorder
Are you struggling with a partner who has borderline personality disorder (BPD)? Perhaps the unpredictable mood swings, the impulsive behaviour, and overwhelming emotions of your partner have left you feeling at a loss for how to help or support them. Or maybe you are one of these people living with BPD, bouncing between feelings of emptiness and seething rage without knowing why. It can feel so crushing that it leads many suffering from BDP to feel hopeless in their ability to break free from its grip on their lives. But despite this seemingly impossible challenge, there is hope: if we work together to understand what is driving our intense emotions and behaviors due to BPD, then we can empower ourselves through psychological tools and strategies in order to create lasting change.
1. Don't Take It Personally
One of the most important things to remember when communicating with someone with borderline personality disorder is not to take anything they say or do personally. This can be a difficult task, as people with BPD are often very reactive and may say or do things that are hurtful. However, it's important to remember that their words and actions are not meant to be hurtful, but are simply a result of their illness.
2. Avoid Arguing
Another important tip for communicating with someone with BPD is to avoid arguing. People with BPD are often very good at pushing other people's buttons and may try to start an argument even if there is no reason to do so. If you find yourself in an argument with someone with BPD, it's important to remain calm and avoid getting defensive.
3. Be Clear and concise
When communicating with someone with BPD, it's important to be clear and concise in your communication. This means avoiding any sort of ambiguity in your words or actions. People with BPD often have difficulty understanding subtlety, so it's important to be as direct as possible.
4. Avoid Criticism
It's also important to avoid criticism when communicating with someone with BPD. People with BPD are often very sensitive to criticism and may react negatively if they feel like they're being criticized. If you need to give feedback, it's important to do so in a way that is constructive and non-judgmental.
5. Listen More Than You Talk
When communicating with someone with BPD, it's important to listen more than you talk. This can be a difficult task, as people with BPD often have a lot to say and may want to monopolize the conversation. However, it's important to let them share their thoughts and feelings without interruption. Additionally, it's important to really listen to what they're saying and try to understand their perspective.
6. Avoid Labeling
When communicating with someone with BPD, it's also important to avoid labeling them or their behavior. People with BPD often feel like they're being misunderstood or judged, so labeling them can only make things worse. Instead, try to focus on the behavior itself rather than attaching a label to it. For example, instead of saying "you're being paranoid," you could say "I noticed that you seem really worried about what other people think of you."
7. Be Patient
Finally, it's important to be patient when communicating with someone with BPD. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions and may need some time to calm down after becoming upset. Additionally, they may need some time to process information before responding. It's important to give them the time they need without rushing or pressuring them