Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotional Crisis: A Guide to Managing Acute Episodes

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often described as one of the most challenging mental health conditions to live with. People with BPD experience a constant storm of emotions, feeling things in extremes. This disorder is characterized by rapid mood swings, unstable and intense relationships, and trouble with emotional regulation. According to reports, 1 in 4 adults in Ohio lives with a mental health condition.

Individuals living with this condition experience symptoms so severe that they impact every aspect of their daily life. BPD symptoms feel like you're screaming on the inside, but no one can see how much pain you’re in. Many people diagnosed with BPD also experience self-destructive behavior and are at a higher risk for suicide. A BPD crisis can occur at any time but is typically triggered by situations involving fear of abandonment, rejection, and instability in interpersonal relationships.

At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we understand how borderline personality disorder and emotional crises can be scary and sometimes life-threatening, which is why we emphasize the importance of effective crisis care.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotional Crises: Exploring the Roots of Intense Emotions

When you’re living with BPD and experiencing an emotional crisis, your symptoms may include intense mood swings, difficulty regulating emotions, impulsivity, dissociation, and engaging in self-injurious behaviors. This is a critical time, as it puts individuals at a higher risk of suicide. Sometimes, crises transpire over seemingly minor issues that spiral until they become unstoppable. During this time, individuals with BPD believe the worst-case scenario as panic takes over. In the midst of a crisis, everything’s a blur, and reality is distorted. In the moment, the emotional response seems life-threatening, and it isn’t until the episode passes that one realizes their reaction wasn’t rational.

Signs of an Emotional Crisis With BPD: What to Look Out For

Rapid Mood Swings

With borderline personality disorder, moods can shift drastically over a short period of time. It’s more than being moody; it’s debilitating. These mood swings are often triggered by something that appears minor or issues with interpersonal relationships. People with BPD are usually mood-dependent, and their moods are often influenced by those around them.

Fear of Abandonment

Fear of abandonment is a hallmark symptom of BPD and is typically characterized by the idea of being left or rejected. People with BPD feel intense anxiety that the people they care about will leave them. This manifests in several ways, including needing constant reassurance, clinginess, and self-sabotaging behaviors.

Black and White Thinking (Splitting)

During a crisis, some individuals with BPD see themselves or others in extremes – either all good or all bad. This involves idealizing and devaluing people or situations, which can impact relationships and cause significant emotional distress.

Persistent Feelings of Emptiness

Feelings of emptiness are a core symptom of BPD, and they tend to feel like something is missing within. It’s a symptom that can be quite difficult to explain to others. People experiencing this may have a lack of identity, feel disconnected from the world, or feel emotionally numb. The emptiness may come and go or linger for some time.

Impulsive Behavior

Impulsivity in BPD looks like acting quickly without considering potential consequences. This impulsive behavior is often done in an attempt to escape deep pain, fear, or emptiness.

Unstable Self-Image

When experiencing an episode, a person with BPD may feel as though they have no sense of self. This leads to questions surrounding who they are and what their purpose is.

Deep Emotional Pain

The emotional pain associated with BPD is often unbearable. It can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders or like you’re consumed by darkness. This pain can manifest physically, causing chest tightness, headaches, or a feeling like your skin is crawling.

Dissociation

Dissociation is typically described as an out-of-body experience, feeling disconnected from oneself, or feeling detached from reality. It’s a coping mechanism that may occur as a response to trauma.

Self-Harm or Suicidal Ideation

During a crisis, some people with borderline personality disorder may resort to harming themselves or grapple with suicidal thoughts because they want the pain to stop. This sign is a serious sign, and immediate support is needed.

How to Respond to an Emotional Crisis in Someone With BPD

When responding to someone with BPD who is going through an emotional crisis, it’s crucial to be empathetic and patient. It will likely be overwhelming for both you and the person experiencing symptoms, but there are strategies to help.

• Educate Yourself on BPD: Borderline personality disorder is a complex diagnosis. In order to help someone experiencing a BPD episode, educating yourself is essential.
• Remain Calm: During this time, one of the most important things to do is to remain calm and grounded. The situation may feel a bit intense or chaotic, but you should avoid adding to it. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed or upset, it’s okay to take some time alone.
• Validate Their Feelings: While you may not understand their intense emotional reaction to things, try not to judge and understand that they’re in a lot of pain. Avoid telling them they’re overreacting, even if the situation seems minor to you. Practice active listening and acknowledge their feelings.
• Establish Boundaries: It’s okay to set gentle boundaries and communicate what they can expect from you and in what ways you can support them.
• Learn Their Triggers: BPD episodes can be triggered by the smallest inconveniences. Talk to them and figure out what situations may trigger certain thoughts or emotions.
• Offer Them Distractions: Utilizing distractions during a crisis can be helpful. Suggest activities they can do alone or that the two of you can do together.
• Take Care of Yourself: We can’t help others if we don’t take care of ourselves. Remember that your mental health matters, too. It’s okay if you need to take time for yourself or just need a break. Find coping strategies to help you manage the stress of helping someone during an emotional crisis.
• Encourage Professional Support: If crises are occurring frequently or the person is at risk of harming themselves, they may need professional help. Gently let them know they’re not alone and that you will be there for them on this journey.

Getting Help for a BPD Emotional Crisis

Recognizing that you’re in a BPD emotional crisis and seeking help can feel terrifying, but it’s an essential step. During a crisis, when emotions are heightened, it may feel like no one understands what you’re going through. Talking to a trained therapist can help. Therapeutic modalities such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) were developed specifically for treating BPD. DBT can help you learn emotional regulation and build healthy coping skills. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re weak – it’s a powerful act of fighting for yourself.

Having a support system you can reach out to is also helpful. When you’re feeling well, sit down with them and devise a plan for how they can support you during a crisis.

BPD Mental Health Crisis Care at SUN Columbus

Living with borderline personality disorder means navigating heavy emotions. Emotional crises can leave you feeling drained and ashamed, but know that you’re not broken and that there is hope. There is strength in waking up every morning, knowing that you’re facing an internal battle.

It’s okay to feel things deeply, and it’s okay to ask for help. No matter how dark things feel, you are not your diagnosis. Even if help seems out of reach, healing is possible. If you’re looking for BPD emotional crisis care, take the first step toward receiving the support you deserve.

At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we are dedicated to solving unmet needs in our communities by offering 24-hour crisis care for your mental health needs. Our team is ready to support you with the urgency, support, and care you deserve. We use evidence-based treatments that are effective for managing a BPD emotional crisis. Regardless of the day or time, we’re available to get you the treatment you need. If you or someone you love is experiencing a BPD emotional crisis, give us a call at (614) 706-2786.