Understanding BPD: Overwhelmed Emotions and the Path to Emotional Balance

In this article, we will explore the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the challenges individuals with BPD face when it comes to expressing and managing their emotions. We will also delve into how Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help navigate these emotional hurdles.

Emotional Challenges in BPD

Many individuals with BPD encounter extreme and intense emotional responses, often disproportionate to the triggers that cause them. It is not uncommon for people with BPD to have difficulty expressing their emotions rationally, not because they cannot feel them, but because these emotions are so overwhelming they sometimes feel unmanageable.

Some people with BPD describe their emotional states as being either all or nothing, with rapid mood swings between feeling everything or feeling nothing at all. This profound emotional dysregulation can be exhausting and complicating for both the person experiencing it and those around them.

Complexity and Misunderstanding

BPD is a highly complex condition, characterized by difficulties in regulating emotions and often accompanied by a turbulent internal world. An individual with BPD might struggle to identify or communicate their feelings, and those around them may find it challenging to understand or respond appropriately. This leads to what can be a confusing and often frustrating experience for all parties.

The Role of Emotion in BPD

When a strong emotion "catches" someone with BPD, their entire consciousness centers on that emotion, often resulting in a loss of verbal abilities. This is because the amygdala and limbic system, the more primitive regions of the brain, take over. The goal of therapy, like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), is to help individuals regain control over their emotions, guiding them back to a more stable mental state.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Emotional Balance

DBT is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is specifically designed to help individuals with BPD maintain emotional and psychological balance. One of the core principles of DBT is the practice of noticing and describing emotions.

Just Notice: The first step is to simply observe the emotion without judgment. This helps in recognizing and labeling the emotion, bringing it to conscious awareness. Check the Facts: Next, the person is encouraged to ask whether the intensity of the emotion fits the actual situation. This helps in evaluating if the emotional response is proportional or if it might be an overreaction. Opposite Action: If the emotional response does not fit the facts, the skill encourages individuals to take the opposite action, thereby creating a new emotional experience and potentially changing the original one.

The ultimate aim of DBT is to develop a Wise Mind, a balanced state that incorporates both the emotional and rational aspects of the mind. By fostering this balance, individuals with BPD can retain their emotional depth and creativity while effectively managing their emotions.

Beyond the therapeutic environment, individuals with BPD can also benefit from learning strategies to manage emotional triggers. Engaging in activities like mindfulness, journaling, and physical exercise can help in reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.

Conclusion

Living with BPD can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and tools, individuals can learn to navigate and manage their emotions effectively. By understanding the nature of emotional dysregulation in BPD and utilizing the skills taught in DBT, individuals can achieve a sense of balance and control over their emotional lives.