Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, interpersonal difficulties, and a distorted self-image. While many people associate BPD with severe symptoms that disrupt daily life, high functioning BPD presents a different picture. Individuals with high functioning BPD may appear successful and stable on the outside, but they often struggle internally. This article explores what high functioning BPD is, its symptoms, causes, and coping strategies.
What is High Functioning BPD?
High functioning BPD refers to individuals who have symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder but maintain a certain level of stability in their daily lives. These individuals can hold jobs, maintain relationships, and generally function well in society. However, they often face intense emotional challenges, which can lead to distress, self-doubt, and anxiety.
High functioning BPD may go undiagnosed for years because people around them may not recognize the struggles they face. The individual often masks their symptoms with high performance and charm, making it harder for friends, family, and even mental health professionals to see the internal turmoil.
Common Symptoms of High Functioning BPD
People with high functioning BPD may experience a range of symptoms, including:
1. Intense Emotions
Individuals with high functioning BPD often experience extreme emotions. They may feel intense joy or excitement, but this can quickly turn into deep sadness or anger. These emotional swings can be overwhelming and often lead to feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction.
2. Fear of Abandonment
A common symptom of BPD is an intense fear of abandonment. Individuals may go to great lengths to avoid being left alone. This fear can lead to clingy behavior in relationships or sudden changes in feelings towards friends and loved ones.
3. Unstable Relationships
Despite appearing socially adept, individuals with high functioning BPD often struggle with maintaining stable relationships. They may idealize someone one moment and then devalue them the next. This push-pull dynamic can create confusion and distress for both the individual and their loved ones.
4. Self-Image Issues
People with high functioning BPD frequently have a distorted self-image. They may view themselves as unworthy or flawed, which can lead to self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. This poor self-image can also contribute to impulsive behaviors.
5. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a hallmark of BPD. Individuals may engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or unsafe sexual practices. Even though they manage their lives well, they may struggle to control these impulses.
6. Dissociation
During times of stress, people with high functioning BPD may dissociate, feeling disconnected from their surroundings or themselves. This can be a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotions.
Causes of High Functioning BPD
The exact cause of BPD, including high functioning BPD, is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to its development:
1. Genetics
Research indicates that BPD may run in families. If someone has a family member with BPD, they may be at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.
2. Environment
A person’s upbringing and life experiences play a crucial role in the development of high functioning BPD. Traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can significantly impact emotional regulation.
3. Brain Structure
Some studies suggest that structural differences in the brain may be linked to BPD. These differences can affect how emotions are processed and regulated.
Coping Strategies for High Functioning BPD
While high functioning BPD can be challenging, there are several coping strategies that can help individuals manage their symptoms:
1. Seek Professional Help
Therapy is essential for managing BPD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are particularly effective. These therapies can help individuals develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and address interpersonal difficulties.
2. Build a Support Network
Having a strong support system is crucial. Friends and family can provide understanding and validation. Support groups can also offer a sense of community and shared experience.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques can help individuals stay present and reduce emotional reactivity. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can promote emotional balance.
4. Journal Emotions
Writing down feelings can provide insight and clarity. Journaling helps individuals process their emotions and identify triggers that lead to intense feelings.
5. Set Boundaries
Learning to set healthy boundaries in relationships can help manage the fear of abandonment. Clear communication about needs and expectations fosters healthier interactions.
6. Engage in Healthy Activities
Regular physical activity, hobbies, and creative outlets can provide positive distractions and reduce feelings of emptiness. Finding activities that bring joy can improve overall well-being.
See Also: ADHD vs. Quiet BPD
High Functioning BPD vs. Other Personality Disorders
It is essential to distinguish high functioning BPD from other personality disorders. While individuals with high functioning BPD may seem stable, they differ from those with other personality disorders, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Avoidant Personality Disorder. The key differences lie in emotional responses, relationship dynamics, and self-image issues.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals often have an inflated sense of self-importance and lack empathy for others. In contrast, those with high functioning BPD are often empathetic but struggle with self-identity.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder may be socially inhibited and sensitive to criticism, leading them to avoid social situations. In contrast, those with high functioning BPD may seek social interactions but struggle with intense emotional responses during them.
Conclusion
Understanding high functioning BPD is crucial for recognizing the struggles faced by individuals with this disorder. While they may present a successful exterior, their internal battles can be intense. By promoting awareness, empathy, and appropriate coping strategies, we can create a supportive environment for those with high functioning BPD.
If you or someone you know may be dealing with high functioning BPD, remember that help is available. Seeking therapy and building a support network can lead to improved emotional health and a more fulfilling life.
Related topics:
- Why Is There Stigma Around Depression?
- Why Is Therapy Stigmatized?
- How can affective BPD be managed through DBT strategies?
