You may have heard the abbreviation “BPD” before. It’s shorthand for borderline personality disorder. It’s relatively common, and if you have a platonic or romantic relationship with someone who has received this diagnosis, it can be challenging to get along well with them.

A parent who seeks help for daughter’s mental illness might do so for BPD, but it’s just as likely you’ll try to navigate the relationship on your own. Whether you look for advice from a medical professional or not, you should know what often goes into relationships with individuals who have received this diagnosis. We’ll discuss that in detail right now.

What Exactly is BPD?

First, let’s give you a definition of BPD. Someone with BPD has issues with their self-image. They may engage in unstable behavior or have unpredictable moods. They might have strained social or romantic relationships. You may see them act impulsively. They might also seem insecure or irrational at times.

The reasons for BPD are not entirely known by the scientific community. The condition is still being studied, but one thing is certain: because of their erratic behavior, having someone in your life with BPD can be stressful, to put it mildly.

Be Ready for the Mood Swings

Those who have borderline personality disorder will usually have mood swings. It can give emotional whiplash to someone who’s in a romantic or platonic relationship with this person. One moment, this individual might seem content and engaged in whatever you’re doing, and the next, they may seem aloof or even hostile.

If you know this person has this diagnosis, you can be ready for these mood swings. However, just because you know what’s causing them, that might not make them any easier to take.

Disengage When Necessary

If you’re in a relationship with someone who has a diagnosis of BPD, and you know what the common symptoms are, then you know what’s happening when their behavior seems erratic. You also understand that sometimes, for the sake of your own sanity, you need to disengage when this person is acting that way.

If they seem irrational or their mood has taken a more severe turn, it might be necessary to back away from the relationship and have a time-out. You can calmly explain to the person that their behavior is upsetting you and you need some space till they can get themselves under control.

Make Them Face Their Diagnosis

Sometimes, a relationship with someone with BPD can get so volatile or emotionally exhausting that you cut that person out of your life. If you don’t want to do that, though, it’s helpful to make sure they understand what their diagnosis means.

If they know what the signs of BPD are, then they might be able to more readily acknowledge it when they act that way. It’s when the person does not accept the diagnosis that you might need to consider severing ties with that individual if their behavior reaches a point you can no longer tolerate.