Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A few months ago, a father’s heartfelt post on Facebook gained widespread attention following the tragic loss of his daughter to suicide. He wrote:
“We have survived seven days without Ammu. We are not just me and my family. Everyone was shocked by the news. Could Prasad and Manjula’s daughter have done this? Ammu, who was so vibrant, who voiced her opinions openly, and who easily made friends, did this? What could be the reason? Ammu struggled with borderline personality disorder from a young age.”

This tragic incident highlights how many people remain unaware of the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—a condition that, in severe cases, can lead to suicidal behavior. BPD significantly impacts emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-identity, leading to difficulties in maintaining a stable sense of self and connection with others.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

BPD is a complex mental health condition that affects the way individuals perceive themselves and interact with others. It is marked by emotional instability, impulsivity, and intense interpersonal difficulties. People with BPD often experience disrupted daily functioning due to severe emotional turbulence.

Core Symptoms of BPD

Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals with BPD struggle to regulate emotions, often reacting with intense anger, sadness, or frustration. Outbursts of anger may occur regardless of the context, leading to behaviours such as breaking objects, using offensive language, or even physical aggression over seemingly minor issues.

Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour: Self-injurious behaviour is common, with 50–80% of individuals with BPD engaging in self-harm at some point. This may include cutting, burning, or other forms of injury, often serving as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional distress temporarily. Suicidal thoughts or attempts are prevalent, with 70% of individuals attempting suicide at least once in their lives, and 10% dying by suicide.

Fear of Abandonment and Relationship Instability: People with BPD have a deep-seated fear of abandonment, which may cause them to react in contradictory ways—either clinging to loved ones or pushing them away to preempt rejection. Even minor relationship conflicts can trigger severe emotional reactions, leading them to blame themselves and spiral into guilt or depression.

Chronic Feelings of Emptiness and Dissatisfaction: Many individuals with BPD report persistent feelings of emptiness and frustration, which may cause them to feel fatigued by life and constantly seek new experiences. These individuals may jump into relationships or impulsive behaviours—such as excessive spending or sexual encounters—only to later experience emotional fallout from these decisions.

Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviours are a hallmark of BPD. In attempts to escape emotional distress, individuals may engage in substance use, reckless driving, binge shopping, or unsafe sexual activities.

Hallucinations and Paranoia Under Stress: In extreme emotional states, individuals may experience transient paranoia or hallucinations, but these symptoms are generally brief and not indicative of a primary psychotic disorder.

Treatment and Recovery

Despite misconceptions, BPD is treatable, and with proper interventions, individuals can experience significant improvement. Recovery requires psychotherapeutic support, often provided by clinical psychologists.

Psychotherapy: Evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop emotional regulation skills, improve relationships, and reduce self-harm. Therapy provides a structured environment where individuals can explore and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.

Medication: While there are no specific medications to cure BPD, psychiatric support may involve medications to manage co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Support Systems: Engaging family and friends in the therapeutic process helps individuals build a stable support network, reducing isolation and promoting emotional resilience.

BPD is a serious mental health condition, but it is not untreatable. Through the combined efforts of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and social support, individuals with BPD can learn healthier ways to cope with emotional distress and rebuild their lives. The tragic loss of Ammu reminds us of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as well as the need for increased awareness about BPD and its impact on individuals and families.

Recognizing the warning signs, offering compassionate support, and providing access to mental health resources can prevent future tragedies and help those with BPD lead fulfilling lives.

-Akhila