What are the Best Tips for Coping with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Coping with borderline personality disorder can be a very difficult task both for the person with the disorder and his or her friends and loved ones. Many books have been published to help guide the friends and family of those who suffer from this disorder understand some of the behavioral and emotional troubles that the sufferer is exhibiting. It is important to know what the individual is going through in order to remain patient and help him or her through what is typically a difficult disorder signified by harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, promiscuity, and even cutting or suicide. Some of the more popular coping techniques involve distraction and sublimation, to help divert attention away from intense emotions which may lead to destructive behaviors. Additionally, therapy and mood stabilizing medications are common methods of coping with borderline personality disorder.

The most commonly recognized therapy for those coping with borderline personality disorder is called dialectical behavior therapy, though other types of therapy may be used. Therapy can help the patient understand why he or she is feeling this way and attempt to address some of the destructive or otherwise unhealthy behaviors that result from the disorder. Therapists can explain ways to divert negative energy and emotions, that may perhaps turn into self punishment such as cutting or drug abuse, into positive outlets, such as sports or something similar.

It is extremely important to choose a therapist who is experienced and knowledgeable about borderline personality disorder. Special techniques and emotional control are needed to effectively treat a person with this disorder. Friends and family members may also benefit from talking to a therapist to learn ways to help the person and deal with the negative emotional effects from seeing a loved one suffer and engage in unhealthy and often frustrating behaviors that frequently tear relationships and friendships apart.

Medications, commonly antipsychotics, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, can be used to help even out the drastic mood swings from which a person with borderline personality disorder suffers. Taming the wild emotions can help reduce the amount of negative, harmful behavior the person engages in. Medication, however, can only treat the symptoms, not the disorder itself. They also do not always work effectively for every person. Most of the time, medication can slightly smooth out the emotions, but is usually not an effective way of coping with borderline personality disorder on its own.