Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that usually manifests in early adulthood. People with borderline personality disorder have difficulty managing their behavior and emotions, which often results in significant impairment in their daily functioning. Individuals with BPD also struggle to maintain healthy relationships. As with most mental health disorders, there is no known cause, but experts believe that a combination of genetics, environment, and personality characteristics are risk factors.
If you suffer from BPD, you may feel like your life is out of control. Fortunately, a borderline personality disorder is very responsive to treatment. If you or a loved one suffers from BPD, help is available at Harmony Hills. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to learn more.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
For diagnostic purposes, personality disorders are categorized into three clusters. BPD falls under the Dramatic, Unpredictable Cluster (B). As the name of the cluster implies, people who have borderline personality disorder often exhibit erratic emotions and behaviors. If you have BPD or live with someone who does, life usually feels chaotic. It is often described as being on an emotional rollercoaster. People suffering from BPD tend to be overly sensitive. Minor events can cause explosive reactions. When triggered, it takes a long time to calm down. Once calm, individuals often feel ashamed and guilty, but this does not prevent future episodes. This cycle of behavior is painful and confusing for the individual and their friends and family.
The signs and symptoms of BPD vary between individuals. Only a medical or clinical professional can diagnose BPD. Exhibiting five or more of the following symptoms for an extended period, beginning in early adulthood, could indicate borderline personality disorder:
- Intense fear of abandonment or taking drastic measures not to be alone
- A pattern of unstable and intense relationships
- Impulsive, risk-taking, or self-destructive behaviors
- Rapidly changing sense of identity or unstable self-image
- Extreme emotional instability and tendency to significantly overreact
- Recurring threats of self-harm or suicide
- Inappropriate, intense anger and inability to control temper
Untreated borderline personality disorder makes it challenging to live a productive life. It causes disruptions in school or work and interpersonal relationships and can lead to self-injury and legal issues caused by risk-taking behaviors. At Harmony Hills, we know that BPD is rarely diagnosed on its own. Most people who suffer from BPD have co-occurring substance use disorders and other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As such, we offer dual diagnosis treatment aimed at providing holistic healing.
A Residential Treatment Program for BPD
A residential treatment program provides a safe, stable environment where individuals suffering from BPD and co-occurring disorders can receive effective, individualized treatment. BPD is treated with psychotherapy, behavior therapies like CBT and DBT, and medication when necessary. Education about borderline personality disorder, family therapy, social and emotional skills training, coping skills, and life skills are all significant parts of a comprehensive mental health treatment program at Harmony Hills.
Many who suffer from BPD struggle to cope with the responsibilities, routines, and stressors of regular daily life. On our rural 80-acre campus, Harmony Hills offers a safe, relaxing environment where patients can receive individualized treatment with 24/7 access to services. Some other significant benefits of residential treatment for BPD include:
- Supportive structure and routines
- Support in daily living activities
- Fosters a sense of community and accountability
- Allows for the focus to be on recovery
- Low client-to-staff ratios
- Access to high-quality nutrition and physical fitness
In residential treatment, patients can practice new skills and receive immediate therapeutic feedback from our treatment team and peers. This feedback is especially critical in BPD treatment, as learning to develop healthy and appropriate relationships is a large part of treatment.
Harmony Hills Provides Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment
Living with BPD can make life feel chaotic. The borderline personality disorder treatment program at Harmony Hills will provide you with the treatment, knowledge, and skills you need to regain control and live the life you deserve. Reach out to us online or call 855.494.0357 to learn more.
