Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is like many mental illnesses people live with every day. It has its challenges, including complications at work, in relationships, and health. Relationships can be difficult for people with BPD, especially romantic partnerships or marriages. With mental illness, there are many complex circumstances but there is also fear of abandonment and unstable emotions that create intense fear and volatility. With proper treatment, there can be a healing opportunity for relationships if people with BPD manage the disorder well.
Relationships Matter
Fear of abandonment is one of the core issues for people with BPD. they often struggle with self-image and confidence, which brings insecurity into relationships. Their sense of self is tied into their identity in partners. BPD creates fear they will be abandoned by people in their lives. They go through extremes yet shift from admiration to anger and idealization of the relationship, sometimes bringing codependency issues into it, as well.
Managing Symptoms
Healthy relationships are a struggle for people with BPD because both partners have to commit to each other with symptom management. The person struggling with illness must focus on their health and their partner. Many people may not be interested or willing to cope with borderline symptoms but a committed partner can stay intricately woven into the relationship in a way that promotes a supportive, creative, partnership.
Seeking Help
When someone looks at their relationships, they can assess what will best help them feel connected. Regular therapy provides insight into mental illness while giving an opportunity to discuss relationship issues with people who provide good advice. Therapists understand how illness impacts a partner and can help with strategies and tactics to improve communication and connection. With BPD, couples therapy reduces conflict and helps resolve ongoing issues. Having the chance to air out the relationship and talk to a therapist about coping well is key. Meeting regularly to smooth out issues will help keep things from feeling rough around the edges.
Pathway to Healing
Borderline personality disorder can be made more complicated by a person’s desire to to cure their issues or their partner’s desire to see them cured. There is no cure for borderline symptoms. Acceptance from the partner will help them heal better than trying to fix them. Other complicated issues, including substance abuse, may make it harder to figure out how to help the person with mental health challenges but also seek help for addiction. The best way to help someone with complicated mental health and physical health issues is to navigate it through recovery together in a supportive manner.
When substance abuse and mental health enter the picture, we will be there to support your journey of healing. We understand the challenges you face when it comes to navigating recovery. Our team will help you connect with resources at Oceanfront and beyond to make the journey more manageable. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 888-981-4295
