Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a chronic, complex psychological condition that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by a pervasive pattern of high affective instability, impulsive behaviors, unstable interpersonal relationships, and an inconsistent self-concept. Most commonly, BPD develops in early adulthood, often with more severe symptoms occurring in the early stages of onset. Identity can be explained as a “person’s sense of self, established by their unique characteristics, affiliations, and social roles… identity has continuity, as one feels to be the same person over time despite many changes in their circumstances.” Identity disturbance, which is defined as a “persistent and noticeably unstable sense of self,” is noted in the DSM-5 as a key symptom of BPD. While discovering a coherent sense with borderline personality disorder can be challenging, the following suggestions may help you begin to uncover and connect with your authentic identity:
- Be kind to yourself: Avoid self-criticism, treat yourself with respect and come up with a few personal affirmations to encourage positive self-talk and promote self-confidence.
- Discover and nurture your passions: Explore your interests and make time to engage in activities that bring you joy. This can help you develop a sense of purpose and direction. Further, humans are hard-wired to experience joy when experiencing novelty. Learning and mastering a new skill can help build self-confidence.
- Keep physically active: Exercising can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain, boosting one’s mood. The Academy of Neurological Therapy asserts that “exercise has been shown to help improve and prevent many conditions, including: weight management, stress levels, emotional regulation/ mood, memory, attention, strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and blood pressure regulation.”
- Get creative: Findings from a 2016 study indicate that less than an hour of creative activity can reduce stress and have a positive effect on one’s mental health, boost self-confidence, and enhance self-esteem regardless of one’s artistic experience or talent.
- Spend time with yourself: When we struggle with identity disturbance, we often develop a habit of looking away from ourselves as it can feel uncomfortable to spend time looking inward. Carving out time to focus on your inner thoughts and making a practice of patiently looking inward can help you get to know yourself better.
- Set realistic goals: While there are benefits to aiming high, it is advantageous to start small. When we set unrealistic goals, we are often met with failure. Set smaller goals that enable you to succeed. Achieving smaller goals can boost self-confidence, self-reliance, and independence.
- Quiet your mind: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. Research has found that practicing deep breathing exercises can effectively help with relaxation, stress management, control of psychophysiological states, and improve organ function.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
