Personality disorders are very common in the U.S., with millions of people struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Borderline personality disorder symptoms can range from mild to severe and can lead to unstable relationships, emotional instability, and suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, BPD is treatable by participating in behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medical support.
Recovery Ranch PA welcomes Pennsylvania residents who struggle with BPD and other common personality disorders. For more information about our personality disorder treatment programs, call 717.969.9126 today to speak to one of our dedicated team members.
What to Know About Common Personality Disorders
Your personality is a unique set of characteristics that define you, including your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These make you who you are today. Some people may have trouble with their personalities and experience overwhelming emotions that affect them for a long time.
Personality disorders are a type of mental health condition where a person can experience thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from the expected norms of society. This can cause them to feel emotionally distressed and affect their ability to properly function and complete everyday tasks.
Some of the common personality disorder types include:
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
A mental health professional can determine if you have a personality disorder by conducting a detailed interview and a medical exam to determine the type of disorder you’ve and recommend treatment.
Recognizing Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms
One way to fully understand a disorder is to learn everything you can about its symptoms and treatment. A professional therapist can help you identify your triggers and teach you healthy coping skills.
Here are some of the borderline personality disorder symptoms that you should be familiar with:
- Fear of abandonment – A fear of being abandoned or left alone by your partner, spouse, parents, or children.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness – People with BPD often describe their feelings as empty, as if there is a hole or void inside them.
- Unstable relationships – These relationships are often short-lived and intense. A person with BPD may fall in love quickly and either see the relationship as perfect or horrible with no middle ground.
- Shifting self-image – This is described as an unsteady image of self. You don’t clearly know who you are or what you want out of life.
- Impulsive behaviors – If you have BPD, you may participate in harmful, sensation-seeking behaviors, such as binge eating or spending, shoplifting, or substance abuse.
- Self-harm – One of the biggest symptoms of BPD is suicidal behavior. This includes thinking about suicide, making suicidal threats or gestures, and attempting suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
- Extreme emotional swings – This is a very common symptom of BPD, where a person will be happy one minute and angry the next. These are short, intense mood swings that are unlike the emotional swings of depression and bipolar disorder.
- Explosive anger – People with BPD will experience intense anger at times. This can include yelling, throwing objects, or becoming completely consumed by rage. Oftentimes, the anger is directed inward.
- Feeling out of touch with reality – Paranoia and suspicious thoughts are common symptoms of BPD. People may also experience episodes of dissociation, feeling disconnected, mentally “foggy,” or as if they are observing themselves from outside their own body.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your best option is to talk with a professional therapist about your feelings.
Enroll in Our Personality Disorder Treatment Program at The Ranch PA Today
The Ranch PA is a full-service mental health treatment center that supports those who struggle with borderline personality disorder or other common personality disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling with BPD or other personality disorders, reach out through our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and begin healing.
