Lack of knowledge about borderline personality disorder presents a unique challenge for many readers and practitioners alike. The majority of what you hear regarding this disorder will revolve around symptoms such as emotional upheaval and unstable interpersonal relationships, among many others. However, many aspects of BPD rarely make it into a conversation relating to positive emotions, empathy, creativity, and moments of clarity.
At MindVibe, we provide support and assistance daily to individuals who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, as well as those caring for them. In our experience. We know how vital positive cognitive and affective states can contribute to an individual’s wellness and recovery from BPD. Once a person with BPD learns how to work through their symptoms, they will begin to see the positive aspects of themselves as well as the negative.
The Brighter Side: What Positive Affective States Look Like
When looking at what is referred to as the “brighter side” of Borderline Personality Disorder, it must be noted that while the majority of people associate BPD with anger and sadness, people with BPD. Also have the capacity to feel emotions much more deeply when it comes to positive experiences as well, a few examples of how individuals with BPD may have positive affective states are as follows:
1. An incredible amount of empathy and compassion.
Individuals with BPD are known to experience intense feelings towards others as well as themselves. This can create an excellent, caring environment for someone who has BPD to become an extraordinary friend, partner, or caregiver.
2. A drive for creativity.
Individuals with BPD often use creative methods to express their feelings through art, music, writing, and other forms of self-expression. Their emotional intensity helps to encourage their creativity.
3. An intense level of happiness and joy.
When something goes well for an individual with BPD, that person experiences extreme happiness, which can lead to deep feelings of connection and satisfaction.
4. Motivation during moments of emotional stability.
When a person with BPD is experiencing emotional stability, that person tends to feel driven, motivated, and focused on completing personal goals.
Cognitive Strengths of Individuals with BPD
Cognition is the ability to think and understand our surroundings. Individuals with BPD typically have the following cognitive strengths:
- Strong Intuition: Many individuals with BPD are intuitively capable of reading others’ emotional cues.
- Insight while Stable: Individuals with BPD may have significant self-awareness, emotional control, and a desire to grow personally during stable periods.
- Creative Problem Solving: Individuals with BPD often think creatively, particularly when they feel supported.
Challenges of Coexisting with the Benefits
Even though individuals with BPD have several strengths, the nature and characteristics of BPD make it a very complicated and complex mental health disorder. Emotional fluctuations can be sudden and rapid. The most common challenges associated with BPD are:
1 Intense feelings and rapid fluctuating moods.
An individual with BPD tends to feel intense feelings for a more extended period of time than most people due to their mood and emotional state going from calm to overwhelmed to sad/angry. Often with no apparent cause or reason as to why their emotions change so drastically.
2 Fear of rejection or abandonment.
A person with BPD may perceive even the most minor behavioral changes from another person (a cancellation of a planned date or a delay in the other person’s texting) as an act of abandonment or rejection. Such thoughts may, in turn, create feelings of anxiety, clinginess, or avoidance of being left alone.
3 Unstable and intense relationships.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder tend to have rapid mood changes from idealizing another person one moment to feeling hurt or disappointed by them the next. This tendency toward rapid emotional change can create instability in friendships, romantic partnerships, or familial relationships.
4. Self-Image Difficulties
People have a hard time figuring out who they are and what they want from their lives. In many cases, this leads to confusion about things like a person’s self-image and impulsive behaviour decisions.
5. Impulsive Behaviour
Some people may cope with overwhelming feelings of emotion by participating in impulsive behaviours such as shopping, overeating, using drugs or alcohol, or putting themselves at risk for things they later regret.
6. Numbness and Emptiness
Many people feel an overwhelming emptiness, as if something is missing or they are separated from everything in this world.
7. Intense Responses To Stress
Some may react to extreme stress by feeling overly emotional. This can result in paranoia, extreme detachment from reality, and being frightened by what is happening.
Looking for a mental health clinic near me
Searching for BPD treatment near me when overwhelmed with emotions is common. With Borderline Personality Disorder, there are times when a person feels completely out of control or unsafe.
Mental health centers can provide help during a crisis, but most of the change comes from long-term treatment.
When someone is considering therapy for BPD, the following is usually the process at MindVibe:
- An introduction session to determine your current symptoms
- A review of the extremes of your emotions
- Identification of what triggers your feelings and the things that are your strengths
- Your own BPD treatment plan
- Ongoing emotional support and assistance in high-stress situations
- Safety plans for the weeks following your initial appointment
- Developing the knowledge of the positive emotional and cognitive moments in your life.
How Positive States Influence Healing
Positive emotions not only provide pleasure but also promote healing. As a result, positive emotions have the power to do the following:
1. Increase an individual’s desire to engage in therapeutic activities
Participants who report feeling motivated by hope and/or inspiration are more likely to engage in therapy and maintain engagement throughout the therapeutic relationship.
2 . Establish Stronger Connections with Others
Empathy and connection create an environment where participants can develop a stronger bond with family/friends.
3. Improve the Ability of an Individual to Think
When an individual can relax emotionally, he/she is in a better position to think clearly and to make better decisions.
4. Promote Long-Term Resiliency
Recognizing one’s own small triumphs and or positive experiences reinforces emotional stability and creates a greater capacity for long-term emotional resilience.
Conclusion
Borderline Personality Disorder is often misunderstood, but those with this disorder possess tremendous strength, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Gaining insight into the more positive cognitive and affective aspects of the disorder may lead to increased self-esteem, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for one’s emotional depth.
At MindVibe, we support individuals seeking to explore all aspects of their emotional lives so they can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. People who are interested in finding a supportive resource for either receiving BPD treatment. Or seeking assistance with MindVibe’s services have numerous options available. Our staff is committed to helping you find the right type of support or connect with qualified mental health professionals, like a psychiatrist in Fresco, to help you successfully manage your disorder.
FAQs:
Do people with BPD have strong positive feelings?
Yes, many people with BPD feel intense feelings like happiness, creativity, empathy, and emotional connections to others.
Will positive feelings assist in treating BPD?
Yes, positive feelings will inspire increased motivation and self-awareness and provide individuals with additional emotional stability.
Is BPD merely a combination of negative symptoms?
No. Although there are difficulties associated with BPD, there are also many emotional strengths that provide for healing potential.
What does MindVibe provide for those who have symptoms of BPD?
MindVibe provides structure, emotional support, coping strategies, and individualised BPD treatment plans.
If I believe I may have BPD, should I seek treatment from a healthcare professional?
Yes, because the sooner someone receives support for their BPD symptoms, the better the chances of being emotionally balanced and achieving long-term emotional stability.
