“I think she is crazy.” “One moment before, she was laughing, and the next moment she was crying!”
“That guy is crazy.” He doesn’t want to break up with me!
No, “crazy” is a pejorative and insensitive way to describe someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it is essential to understand that BPD is an actual medical condition, and those who suffer from it are not “crazy” but require understanding, support, and appropriate treatment.
BPD is a mental health condition characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. People with BPD struggle with intense and tumultuous emotions and often experience an intense fear of abandonment and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Stigma and misperceptions surrounding BPD will only marginalize those struggling with this condition and make it harder for them to get the help they need.
Handling someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging. Still, with understanding and patience, it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips that may be helpful:
- Educate yourself: Understanding BPD and the specific challenges that people with BPD face can help you approach the situation with empathy and compassion.
- Be patient and non-judgmental: People with BPD often experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions and may act impulsively. Try to remain patient and non-judgmental, even under challenging situations.
- Set clear boundaries: People with BPD often struggle with boundaries, so it’s essential to communicate your limits and what you expect from the relationship.
- Practice active listening: Listen carefully to what the person with BPD is saying and validate their feelings. Your action can help them feel heard and understood, even if you disagree with their perspective.
- Avoid blaming or accusing language: People with BPD are often hypersensitive to perceived criticism or rejection, so avoid blaming or using language that may make the situation worse.
- Be consistent: People with BPD often struggle with instability and unpredictability, so try to be as consistent as possible in your behavior and responses.
- Seek support: Caring for someone with BPD can be challenging, so it’s essential to take care of yourself and seek help from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to approach the situation with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to learn and understand.
“Sometimes I’m not always doing amazing, but that’s okay… Because everyone struggles and it’s okay to be flawed – that’s what makes me, me.” – Demi Lovato
Thank you for reading this article.
I am Daniel, My Psychology KK’s intern.
With you, My Psychology KK.
