Surviving Personality Disorder: 54 Years Old Expert Therapist Answers All Questions About Personality Disorder and How To Live A ‘Normal’ Life
Talk To Expert Therapist For Resolving BPD- Holistic Living
7.8% of the global population is diagnosed with personality disorders. This means that 7.4 million people are suffering from some or other type of personality disorder. Research studies claim that Borderline Personality Disorder is the most common type followed by Obsessive-compulsive Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder.
In this article, we have an expert therapist who will talk in length about the signs and causes of personality disorders and will answer most asked questions about different types of personality disorders.
Contents of the Article:
-
What are Personality Disorders?
-
What are different types of Personality Disorders?
-
Explain the signs of Borderline Disorder with real-life case studies
-
Do males and females experience personality disorders in different ways?
-
Can Personality Disorders be cured?
At Holistic Living our expert therapists have had clients experiencing symptoms of personality disorders. Some were diagnosed with OCD, and some clients were suffering from borderline and bipolar disorder.
From these cases, we realized that there is a lot of confusion and mysticism around these disorders. Many individuals are deprived of proper treatment because of the myths and stereotypes attached to them. By spreading awareness and giving accurate education it is possible to bust these taboos and help people receive help on time.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
Therefore, our expert therapist at Holistic Living talks in detail about Personality Disorders as a humble attempt to increase awareness about mental health concerns and make therapy more approachable and acceptable.
What Are Personality Disorders?
Personality Disorder refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate significantly from what is considered normal or expected in a culture or society. These patterns can cause distress or impairment in relationships, work, and other areas of life.
People with personality disorders may experience difficulty in managing their emotions and may have trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships with others. This can make it challenging for them to function well in everyday life.
For instance, imagine that a person with BPD is in a romantic relationship with someone they care deeply about. One day, their partner forgets to call them back when they said they would. This may trigger intense feelings of abandonment and rejection in the person with BPD, and they may react in a way that seems out of proportion to the situation.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
They may start to panic and feel overwhelming emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear. They may become very clingy or demanding, bombarding their partner with texts or calls to try to get their attention. They may accuse their partner of not caring about them or being unreliable and may lash out with hurtful words or actions.
This type of reaction is often a result of the intense fear of abandonment that many people with BPD experience. They may feel like their partner’s failure to call them back is a sign that they are not valued or loved, and this can trigger a cascade of negative thoughts and emotions.
The inability to regulate emotions can seriously hamper a good relationship.
What Are Different Types Of Personality Disorders?
There are many different forms of personality disorders mentioned is DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual). The expert therapist mentions some of the most common types of personality disorders:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Someone with BPD may experience intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior. People with BPD may have a deep fear of abandonment and may engage in self-destructive behavior or struggle with feelings of emptiness and identity disturbance.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): This type of personality disorder is marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration. People with NPD may have an inflated sense of entitlement and may struggle with criticism or rejection.
Avoidant Personality Disorder: Symptoms include social anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and a fear of rejection. People with avoidant personality disorder may avoid social situations or close relationships and may struggle with low self-esteem.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): This is one of the most common types of Personality Disorder. In this, a person have may an irrational need for orderliness, perfectionism, and control. People with OCPD may have rigid beliefs and may struggle with flexibility or spontaneity.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): This type of personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others’ rights and a lack of empathy or remorse. People with ASPD may engage in criminal or impulsive behavior and may struggle with relationships or holding down a job.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
It’s important to note that everyone with a personality disorder is different, and symptoms can range in severity and expression. However, understanding the different types of personality disorders can help individuals recognize when they or someone they know may be struggling, and seek appropriate support and treatment
What Are The Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder? Could You Briefly Talk About a Few Real-Life Cases?
I cannot talk in length about my clients because that information is personal and confidential. I can briefly mention some of the cases. These examples will help you to understand the signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
The expert therapist continues, “I had a client, let’s call her Maria. She was only 22 years old when she came for online therapy.
She had a history of tumultuous relationships. She would become intensely attached to her partners quickly, but also experienced intense fear of abandonment. When her partner would go out with friends without her, Maria became convinced that they were cheating on her or no longer care about her.
She would send them dozens of text messages and calls throughout the night, demanding to know where they are and what they were doing. The next day, she would feel ashamed and embarrassed by her behavior, but can’t help but feel anxious and paranoid about the relationship.
This is a classic example of Borderline Personality Disorder because the symptoms are mainly triggered in romantic or intimate relationships.
Fear of abandonment, feelings of insecurity, compulsive behaviors, and paranoia are some of the common symptoms of BPD.
Then there was another client from Mumbai. He used to struggle with self-harm. When he felt overwhelmed or upset, he engaged in cutting or other self-injurious behaviors to cope. He also became very impulsive, spent large amounts of money, engaged in risky sexual behavior, and used drugs or alcohol to try to numb his emotions.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
This was one of the most complex cases I handled. Many of his issues resulted from past trauma, hence the process of therapy was long and intensive.
Hypomania which is a less severe form of mania can be seen in individuals with BPD. Here a person feels extremely energetic and restless. They may engage in reckless and impulsive behaviors without realizing the consequences of these actions.
From these cases, we can understand the risky impact of Personality Disorders. It is crucial that people seek timely help because lack of treatment can pose a serious threat to their well-being as well as those around them.
Do Males and Females Experience Personality Disorders Differently?
Every person is unique. Hence, every individual will have a separate experience with Personality Disorders. Having said that, yes, there are certain objective differences between men and women when it comes to symptoms and prevalence of Personality Disorders.
Studies suggest that women are more likely to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) than men. Women with BPD may be more likely to engage in self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting or burning, whereas men with BPD may be more likely to engage in substance abuse or other risky behaviors. Additionally, men with BPD may have higher chances of anger and aggression, whereas women with BPD display anxiety and depression.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
See, gender is just one factor that can influence how personality disorders manifest – other factors, such as age, culture, and life experiences, can also play a role.
That is why therapies and treatments differ as well because an expert therapist will take into consideration all these factors and differences, and then accordingly plan the therapy process.
Can Personality Disorders Be Cured?
As an expert therapist, I would not use the word ‘cured’. It implies that a person will be completely free from the disorder which is not entirely true.
Yes, with regular therapy and even medications, it is possible to manage and regulate the symptoms of personality disorder but it will not disappear magically. The person needs to put in the hard work, stay consistent with therapy, and should be willing to get better.
I believe that with therapeutic techniques, support, and professional guidance one can overcome the challenges of Personality Disorder, and live a happy and satisfying life.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
In Maria’s case, her treatment was a combination of medication, CBT techniques, REBT and Psychotherapy. We even involved her partner in the counseling process because it is equally important to have the support of your loved ones.
It took her 6-7 months of therapy to break those old patterns of feeling and behaving, and relearn positive and healthy ones. There were ups and downs, but gradually she experienced profound changes within herself and in her relationship as well.
Talk to Expert Therapist Today
The bottom line is that therapy helps to overcome the symptoms of personality disorders and guides the individual with effective strategies and self-care practices that they can implement in their lives and handle triggers on their own.
Conclusion
Personality Disorders are mental health conditions that affect the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. There are different types of disorders and each type has distinctive signs, symptoms, and causes.
With proper medication and regular therapy treatment, it is possible to tackle the challenges of personality disorders and build satisfying relationships, and a meaningful life.
If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health concerns then we urge you to talk to the expert therapist and take the right support on time. Taking control of your life will protect you from harmful consequences and save you precious time.
Talk to the expert therapist and discuss your concerns without any judgments and biases. Call/WhatsApp today to book your 10-minute Free consultation.
