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Recognizing signs of borderline personality disorder in women

If emotions, impulses, self-image, or relationships feel increasingly hard to manage, call 833.754.0554 for a gentle conversation about your concerns.

If this is close to what you’ve been living with, start with one conversation. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t have to know what to call it. That’s our job.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

You deserve room to describe what you are experiencing and consider care at your own pace.

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Original article

Learning about borderline personality disorder support for women and broader personality and enduring relationship patterns support for women can help you consider these concerns in context.

A borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by severe mood swings. BPD causes people to feel a great sense of abandonment that directly affects many parts of their lives. There will be signs you can look out for to understand better if BPD is something to be concerned about. BPD can live alongside a co-occurring substance use disorder, which is why dual diagnosis treatment is offered at most professional treatment centers. Call on a professional treatment center like the one at Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment for women in Colorado.

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Signs of BPD in Females

Signs of BPD can range in severity. Here are some things you can look for if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be dealing with a mental health disorder such as BPD.

  • Fear of abandonment is probably the number one symptom experienced by those battling a BPD. They will abandon relationships and avoid people altogether because of their fear of rejection.
  • Extreme changes in mood are common because of the inability to control emotions due to chemical imbalances in the brain.
  • Self-harm can be apparent in those experiencing BPD. They take these actions as a way to distract from the negative feelings BPD can bring on.
  • Those experiencing BPD can experience irrational outbursts where they display uncontrollable anger.
  • Feeling empty causes people with BPD to feel so disconnected that they feel unworthy or not deserving of people and experiences that they are well worthy of.
  • Noticeable change in appearance, more than once, is common as a coping mechanism.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, call on a professional treatment center like Women’s Recovery to get you on track to live a healthy and productive lifestyle where you can effectively manage triggers to your state of mental health.

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Dual Diagnosis Treatment

BPD can also live alongside a co-occurring substance use disorder. In this case, dual diagnosis treatment is the best course of action. Having a doctor conduct a full intake interview will ensure clients are being treated for the right conditions. Treatment can include a variety of therapies, from traditional talk therapies to experiential therapies like yoga and massage.

If you are unsure what type of treatment or therapies you should be undertaking, do not worry. Once you enroll at a professional treatment center, the therapeutic professionals on staff will guide you in designing a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.

Here are some common therapeutic approaches you may see used in dual diagnosis treatment:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Trauma-informed treatment
  • Behavior modification therapy

Treatment will arm you with effective coping tools to live a healthy and productive lifestyle going forward.

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Get Help with Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Women’s Recovery

BPD can take over your life. But with the proper treatment and guidance, it does not have to. BPD can stem from various environmental factors early in life, and the effects carry over to your adult life. Abuse is a common cause. This abuse could be physical, emotional, or sexual. Parental neglect or a history of substance abuse in families can also be contributing factors, as well as genetic and physical factors. Chemical imbalances in the brain are also something to consider, as they can impact impulse controls and emotions.

To learn more about BPD, contact Women’s Recovery online or call 833.754.0554 to speak to a compassionate and helpful team member.

Common questions

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01 Does having intense emotions mean I have borderline personality disorder?

A difficult day or an intense disagreement does not establish borderline personality disorder. Concern becomes more meaningful when emotional instability, impulsive behavior, relationship strain, or a painful and shifting sense of self forms an enduring pattern that disrupts daily life. A qualified mental health professional can assess the pattern in context.

02 How can I approach a woman I am worried about?

Begin with care rather than a label. You might name the changes you have noticed, acknowledge that she may see things differently, and listen. Avoid debating her feelings or diagnosing her. If she is open to support, offer to help her connect with a qualified mental health professional.

03 What happens during an evaluation for possible BPD?

An evaluation considers the pattern, persistence, context, and effects of what you are experiencing. It can also explore other possible contributors because several mental health concerns can involve emotional or relationship difficulties. The purpose is to understand your needs and identify appropriate care, not reduce you to a diagnosis.

04 Can substance use and personality-related concerns be addressed together?

Yes. Substance use disorders are treatable health conditions, and care can take place in different settings. When substance use and personality-related concerns overlap, addressing both may help you understand how emotions, impulses, relationships, and substance use affect one another. The right plan depends on your individual circumstances and needs.

05 How can I speak with Women’s Recovery?

You can call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a conversation about what has been happening and what kind of support you are seeking. Women’s Recovery is located at 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210. You can share only what feels manageable during the first conversation.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

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