BPD is a mental health disorder that impacts the way individuals feel about themselves and how they interact with others. It’s common for people with BPD to exhibit a pattern of instability in their relationships because they find it challenging to manage their emotions and behavior.
To complicate matters, people with BPD often experience an intense fear of abandonment, sometimes due to their self-image issues, and may have difficulty spending time alone. When they’re with people, they can demonstrate bouts of anger, moodiness or impulsivity that can push loved ones away.
Symptoms of BPD can include:
Unstable relationships
Going to extreme measures to prevent an imagined or real separation
Periods of losing touch with reality or paranoia
Risky or impulsive behavior
Feelings of emptiness
Self-harm or threats of self-harm in response to being left alone
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder usually begin in a person’s early adult years and can improve with age and treatment.