Question: Can you describe situations where you felt a strong need to prevent someone from leaving you, either physically or emotionally? Have you felt this need often?
Answer: Situations where one might feel a strong need to prevent someone from leaving, either physically or emotionally, often stem from deep emotional connections or fear of loss. For example, in a close friendship or romantic relationship, a person may fear abandonment due to past experiences, leading them to try and hold on tightly when they sense distance. In other cases, someone might feel a strong need to keep a loved one from leaving when they're going through a difficult time, feeling that their presence provides stability. This fear can also arise when one feels insecure or uncertain about their own worth, leading to a strong desire to prevent separation.

Question: Do you feel that your interpersonal relationships with those you are close to are unstable? Have you experienced patterns where you alternate between seeing someone as wonderful and then seeing them as terrible?
Answer: Close relationships can sometimes involve fluctuating emotions, especially if there's a deep emotional investment or underlying insecurities. It's not uncommon to go through phases where someone seems wonderful due to shared positive experiences, affection, or admiration. However, during conflicts, misunderstandings, or when expectations aren't met, that same person might suddenly seem less ideal or even frustrating. This alternating view, where someone shifts from being seen as wonderful to terrible, can stem from heightened emotional sensitivity, unresolved personal issues, or differing expectations in the relationship. It's a common pattern in relationships, especially when emotions run high or there's difficulty in handling conflict effectively.

Question: Can you talk about how you see yourself? Does your perception of yourself (how you view yourself) change frequently?
Answer: Self-perception can fluctuate based on various factors like mood, experiences, and external feedback. Some days, a person might feel confident, capable, and in control, especially when things are going well or when they receive positive reinforcement. On other days, particularly after facing setbacks or criticism, they might see themselves in a more negative light, feeling insecure or inadequate. This shifting view of oneself can be influenced by stress, relationships, or even past experiences, where positive moments boost self-esteem and negative ones lead to self-doubt. While some fluctuation is normal, frequent changes in self-perception can indicate deeper emotional or psychological challenges, especially if tied to validation from others.

Question: Can you describe any impulsive and potentially self-damaging behaviors you engage in, such as spending money irresponsibly, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating?
Answer: Impulsive behaviors like reckless spending, substance abuse, or binge eating often provide temporary relief but can lead to negative long-term consequences, such as emotional, financial, or physical harm. These actions create cycles of regret and can make it harder to manage emotions in a healthy way. Recognizing the patterns is key to breaking the cycle.

Question: Can you describe any incidents of self-harm or repeated suicide attempts?
Answer: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide often arise from overwhelming emotional pain or feelings of hopelessness. For some, these thoughts may be fleeting, while for others, they can become recurring. If acted upon, it’s often in moments of deep distress. Seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals is crucial in managing and overcoming these thoughts.

Question: Does your mood change frequently throughout the day? Are there times when you feel intensely happy, sad, anxious or irritated for no apparent reason?
Answer: Mood changes can vary throughout the day or week, sometimes shifting without a clear reason. There may be moments of intense happiness, sadness, anxiety, or irritability that seem to come out of nowhere. These mood swings could be triggered by underlying stress, fatigue, or emotional sensitivity, even if not immediately obvious.

Question: Have you experienced chronic or constant feelings of emptiness?
Answer: Feeling empty or like something important is missing often occurs during times of loneliness, lack of purpose, or emotional disconnection. It can happen when personal goals seem unfulfilled or relationships feel distant. People cope with these feelings in various ways, such as distracting themselves with activities, seeking support from friends or family, or reflecting on their goals and values to find meaning. Others may turn to unhealthy habits, like excessive screen time or overindulgence, to temporarily fill the void.

Question: Can you share any experiences where you felt extremely angry or found it hard to control your temper? Have you experienced frequent displays of temper, constant anger, verbal outbursts, or recurrent physical fights?
Answer: Extreme anger or difficulty controlling temper often arises in situations of frustration, feeling disrespected, or when expectations aren't met. Triggers might include misunderstandings, perceived injustices, or feeling overwhelmed. In these moments, the response can range from raised voices and impulsive actions to shutting down emotionally. Some people may later regret their reactions and try to manage their anger by walking away, deep breathing, or reflecting on the situation to regain control.

Question: Can you describe experiences where you felt intensely suspicious of others (for example, believing people wanted to harm you) or disconnected from reality, especially during stressful times?
Answer: During stressful times, feelings of suspicion or disconnection from reality can arise, leading to doubts about others' intentions and exaggerated interpretations of situations. This often stems from heightened anxiety or past negative experiences, and these feelings typically ease once the stress subsides.