Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a mental health illness affecting roughly five million men and women in the U.S. annually. Symptoms can vary in severity and length, with some clients experiencing mood swings that can last for days or even weeks. By learning how to help someone with borderline personality disorder, you can learn easy-to-do techniques to reduce their symptoms and ease their fears of abandonment. BPD treatment in Portland is a necessary step in helping people reduce their symptoms and lead a full and happy life.
At Crestview Recovery, we support men and women 18 and over who are struggling with borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, or other mental health illnesses. Our experienced team will evaluate your condition when you arrive at our private and comfortable facility. They use your personal information to create a tailored treatment program that will address all of your recovery goals. Call 866.262.0531 or fill out our convenient online form today for more information about our BPD treatment in Portland.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health illness that distorts how a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. While mild cases of BPD may not cause a major disruption in their lives, some people reach a point where their symptoms are so severe they can’t leave the house. The best way to treat BPD is through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to reduce some of the common symptoms of BPD.
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
- Fear of abandonment
- Mood swings
- Explosive anger
- Extreme emotional swings
- Self-harming behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
At Crestview Recovery, our staff knows how to help someone with BPD and provides effective treatment programs to reduce their symptoms. Clients will begin their treatment through our residential or outpatient treatment programs based on the severity of their symptoms.
How to Help Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder
There are several ways to support someone struggling with BPD. People with BPD desire intimate relationships just like everyone else. Participating in a treatment program can go a long way toward reducing the angry outbursts and irrational mood swings that can make maintaining relationships difficult.
Here are some tips on how to help someone with borderline personality disorder:
Learn about BPD
By understanding the symptoms of BPD and how it can affect people, you can be better prepared to handle the irrational outbursts calmly and without causing further trouble.
Validate their feelings
Validation is very important when working with someone with BPD. Be empathetic and listen to what they are saying. Let them know you hear them and want to support them. Avoid trying to fix or explain away their feelings.
Support their recovery
Therapy is very important and can go a long way in reducing symptoms. Work with them to practice their coping skills and learn how you can be a part of their therapy. Encourage them to keep up with their homework if they appear to fall behind or become discouraged.
Understand their triggers
Learn what unique triggers your loved one has. By doing so, you can prepare yourself for what will happen and reduce any irrational behavior or fears.
Be calm and supportive
It can be very frustrating working with someone with BPD. Reacting out of anger or frustration will only worsen their symptoms and make it harder for them to calm down.
Join Crestview Recovery Today for Our BPD Treatment in Portland
Crestview Recovery supports young men and women 18 and over with borderline personality disorder or other mental health conditions. Our therapists and medical staff know how to help someone with BPD and can show you how you can aid in their development. Call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff for more information about supporting someone with borderline personality disorder.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
