Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

 
 

What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition marked by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a fragile sense of self. People with BPD often feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, and caught in patterns they desperately want to change.

“I felt everything too much—one minute I was fine, the next I was in pieces. I didn’t know who I was, or how to stop it.”

Different experiences of BPD in adults

BPD often goes undiagnosed in adults, particularly those who appear high-functioning at work but struggle in private. It can involve mood swings, fear of abandonment, impulsive behaviours, and emotional dysregulation. Many people with BPD have a history of trauma, neglect, or invalidating environments. Others simply grew up feeling emotionally unsafe or unseen.

Adults with BPD may form intense relationships that quickly become volatile or feel empty and disconnected. Some self-harm, experience chronic suicidality, or feel like they don’t have a stable sense of self. BPD is frequently misunderstood and stigmatised—but with the right treatment, recovery is absolutely possible. Understanding the condition is the first step toward change.

“Supporting patients with BPD is some of the most meaningful work we do. When trust is built, transformation can be remarkable.”

Symptoms of borderline personality disorder

  • Intense, rapidly shifting emotions
  • Deep fear of abandonment—even in stable relationships
  • Unstable or intense relationships (for example, cycling through idealising then devaluing the other)
  • Unclear or fluctuating sense of identity
  • Impulsive behaviours (e.g. spending too much, risky sex, self-injury)
  • Self-harm or chronic thoughts of suicide
  • Intense anger, often difficult to control
  • Periods of emotional numbness or dissociation
  • Persistent feelings of emptiness
  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling misunderstood
Our approach
 

Our approach to treating borderline personality disorder

At Bloomfield Health, we offer compassionate, evidence-based support for adults living with BPD. Our clinicians are experienced in therapies proven to help, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) psychodynamic psychotherapy and trauma-focussed CBT. We focus on developing emotion regulation skills, understanding interpersonal patterns, and helping you build a stronger, more stable sense of self. We work collaboratively at your pace, with respect for your autonomy and potential for change.

 

Frequently asked questions

Yes. With the right therapy and support, many people with BPD experience significant and lasting improvement.

It’s often linked to a combination of genetic sensitivity and early invalidating or traumatic experiences, but not always.

DBT has one of the strongest evidence-base for treating BPD. We also offer integrative approaches depending on your needs.

Absolutely not. These are harmful myths. People with BPD can often be in intense emotional pain and deserve empathy and support.

Yes—but it may feel exhausting. Therapy helps make these aspects of life more stable and fulfilling.

There’s no specific medication that is recommended for BPD, but some people benefit from medication for co-occurring anxiety or depression.

Yes. You are not “too much”. Therapy can help you understand and manage emotions without losing your sensitivity or depth.

It varies. BPD is complex, but many people see change within a year of consistent therapy. We offer long-term support if needed.

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