Note: If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Your life matters and you are not alone.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects millions of people across the United States, with the majority of cases being women. BPD is typically characterized by an intense fear of abandonment, unstable self-image, self-harm, anger and irritability, and more. Many people with this disorder feel alone and misunderstood by others, reporting a sense of inner despair and utter chaos. Unfortunately, death by suicide is a common occurrence as a result, with a suicide rate of more than 400 times the national average – and this was a statistic presented by the government several years ago. Luckily, there are treatment options that have proven quite successful.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an effective form of treatment for those with BPD, and it involves techniques similar to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For many with BPD, the world is seen in “black and white” – that is, it’s challenging for those with BPD to see and comprehend the “gray” areas of life. Previous studies have explored DBT techniques that have proven to be beneficial for BPD recovery, including:
- Mindfulness – Stepping away from irrational thought patterns and moving towards the present moment
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Improving communication and self-advocacy skills, and expressing thoughts and feelings safely and effectively and more
- Emotional regulation – Identifying and labeling emotions, recognizing obstacles that are making it hard for a person to work through their emotions appropriately
- Distress tolerance – Accepting and tolerating painful emotions in a nonjudgmental way, learning how to cope through self-soothing, etc.
If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD, it’s important to seek the appropriate treatment to support your recovery. Many services are available to you, depending on your individual needs. At Avalon Malibu, we specialize in mental health and substance abuse treatment. Our professionals are committed to providing you with the best treatment, specific to your unique goals. Its never too late to make a change towards living a happier and healthier life. Call us for a consultation today, at 844-857-5992.
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