Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric disorder that causes the person suffering from it to experience hyper-emotionality and an inability to self-soothe, which can lead to poor judgment and impulsive behavior.
BPD manifests in different ways in different people. Symptoms can range from self-harm and substance abuse to eating disorders and suicide attempts.
It is never an easy task to learn the coping skills necessary to manage the illness and its various symptoms. It may be tempting for some with the diagnosis to attempt to manage Borderline Personality Disorder without the help of therapeutic intervention. Some people have had negative experiences with mental health professionals or may simply have an unrealistic idea about their ability to manage their BPD-related problems on their own.
However, despite dedication or the desire to recover, it is unlikely that a person with Borderline Personality Disorder will overcome BPD on their own without the guidance and insight that the therapeutic process can offer.
Learning Valuable Skills
There are several vital skills taught through therapy that anyone with Borderline Personality Disorder will need to learn and employ if they are to succeed in their endeavor to recover from the disorder and improve the quality of their lives. While there are some wonderful books and resources available to those seeking information about BPD treatment, putting that information into practice without a professional might be similar to reading a book on sailing and then attempting to sail without the benefit of hands-on training. It’s not something that can be mastered without effort and guidance.
Currently, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is considered to be the most effective treatment option available to help people with BPD recover. Patients who enter DBT treatment are far from on their own when it comes to developing the life and communication skills required to move forward in a positive direction.
Individual therapy is only one piece of the process. Patients have a team of professionals who consult on their case. They attend group therapy, life skills workshops, and even have phone contact with their therapists in addition to regularly scheduled sessions. Through this multi-pronged approach, patients are completely supported in their recovery from BPD and have guidance while working on necessary behavioral changes.
The Benefits of Support
It’s difficult to take on the recovery process on one’s own. Borderline Personality Disorder is a medical condition affecting mental health. When seen in this light, it must be recognized that professional intervention is always best when addressing health issues that have serious consequences if left untreated.
Having BPD can be an isolating experience because it takes a toll on interpersonal relationships, often fracturing bonds and causing ongoing tensions to fester. To overcome the worst aspects of the disorder and recover successfully, patients need support, encouragement, and structure. Professional BPD treatment offers those benefits as well as the option to prescribe medications that may reduce related symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, professional BPD treatment and therapy are needed to learn and practice the skills that will help you or a loved one recover from BPD.
