Anyone can have an occasional mood swing, but intense moods that occur and shift quickly may be a sign of something more. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by these extreme emotional shifts. Mood swings can occur multiple times in a day and be triggered by even minor events. Additionally, common BPD symptoms include fear of abandonment, emptiness, anger and impulsive behavior. These intense emotions can strain relationships, causing friends and family to feel as though they are walking on eggshells.

People with BPD also have a 5.9% rate of suicide, which is higher than those with other personality disorders. Also, 75% of individuals with the disorder have attempted suicide. Fortunately, treatment may help manage symptoms and address suicidality. At Lightfully, our licensed clinical therapists provide the expertise, compassion and commitment to help you regulate your emotions.

Below are five ways a BPD specialist can help you on your mental health journey.

How a BPD specialist can support you

A BPD specialist can help you on your path to managing this condition. With personalized treatment, you can learn how to regulate your emotions with proven techniques. 

Here is how a BPD specialist can help you along the way:

1. Personalized assessment and diagnosis

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for BPD. A BPD specialist can assess your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis and guide you toward the right treatment to help you feel better. This step is important, so that you are not mistakenly treated for another condition, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. Once a BPD specialist diagnoses your condition, they can tailor your treatment based on your symptoms and history, making your treatment as effective as possible. 

2. Evidence-based therapy

Evidence-based therapy uses research-supported treatment methods to address mental health conditions. Dialectical behavior therapy is a common treatment for borderline personality disorder. This approach teaches coping skills that can help reduce self-harm, manage emotions, and strengthen relationships by fostering better communication and emotional responses. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment that may also help people with borderline personality disorder regulate mood swings and reduce thoughts of suicide. A BPD specialist can tailor your treatment accordingly with additional proven methods that may also help you.

3. Crisis support and safety planning

With crisis support and safety planning, your BPD specialist can work with you to develop a guide for managing intense emotions and suicidal ideation. During this process, your specialist can help you identify warning signs, coping strategies, a support system, crisis resources and a safe environment. This safety plan is personalized to you, and having one may help reduce fear, knowing you have available support when you need it. In times of emotional instability and fear of abandonment, you can consult this guide to help decrease your risk of self-harm and help you feel safe and supported.

4. Skill-building and coping strategies

Skill-building and coping strategies can be very helpful when you feel distressed. With skill building, a BPD specialist can show you ways to manage intense emotions. Examples of these techniques include deep breathing, self-soothing and mindfulness. Coping strategies are actions you can take in the moment to manage your emotions. Grounding is a common example. It works by helping you concentrate on your surroundings by using your senses. For instance, when you think about objects you see in front of you, you shift your focus away from your emotions, and you may feel calmer. Distraction and setting healthy boundaries are other coping strategies. Your BPD specialist can work with you to identify techniques that may be the most effective for you. Practicing these skills can help you gain confidence as you learn how to manage your emotions.

5. Collaborative care and progress monitoring

With collaborative care, a team of specialists can work together to help provide you with the most appropriate treatment. With this method, a BPD specialist may coordinate with your primary care provider, care manager, caregivers and other mental health professionals. This team of experts can help you feel supported as they monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. Taking this comprehensive approach often leads to better outcomes. 

Find support for borderline personality disorder at Lightfully

Whether you are feeling abandoned, empty or impulsive, treatment can help you navigate the intense feelings you are going through. If you think you may have border personality disorder or you have already been diagnosed with BPD, seeing a specialist can help you on your road to improving your mental health. You can receive a personalized diagnosis and treatment while learning strategies that can help you handle life’s challenges. 

If you have been experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. The following resources can guide you through moments of suicidal and emotional crisis, so you can feel safe:

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988.
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741.
• The Trevor Project — Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.

At Lightfully, we take a whole-person-centered care approach that can provide you with the personalized care you need to manage BPD. No matter what symptoms you may be experiencing or how intense they can be, we’re dedicated to helping you with proven methods that can help enhance your quality of life. You can see one of our licensed clinical therapists in person or explore our Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP) for a convenient at-home treatment option.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.