There is growing evidence that those who experience trauma are at an increased risk of developing borderline personality disorder (BPD). Unfortunately, the association between the two has long been left unacknowledged. However, in recent years, some clinicians have expressed an interest in adding BPD to the list of trauma-spectrum disorders.
This might induce some panic in individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD. BDP is a Cluster B personality disorder, after all – as is histrionic, antisocial and narcissistic personality disorder. Therefore, it is terrifying to think there is a good chance of developing a personality disorder in the aftermath of trauma associated with one that once preyed on us.
How are the two associated, anyway? Those who experience trauma tend to dissociate. PTSD sufferers develop trust issues with others, leading to reclusion and isolation. There is an inherent belief that if they get too close to someone, the relationship will eventually fail and cause pain. Dissociation is a key factor in borderline personality disorder. Those with BPD also have an intense fear of abandonment, harbor feelings of emptiness, and often enter into unstable, toxic relationships.
Thus, the two are more closely related than what at first meets the eye. So, how can we mitigate the unsettling symptoms of both? The key is to focus on self-healing in order to avoid toxic behavioral patterns. If we don’t fully acknowledge and understand our weaknesses and limitations and accept that we are trauma sufferers, we are likely to continue dissociating, engaging in destructive behavior, inviting toxicity, and causing ourselves pain.
The basis of healing is allowing for self-love. Why is this such a foreign concept? We all too often give all our energy away. We focus on the external rather than the internal. In the end, however, this is detrimental not only to us, but to everyone and everything around us. If we don’t replenish our reserves, we will eventually have nothing left to give.
Abusers prey on the weak. They prey on those who are naturally giving, caring, and loving. They prey on co-dependents and empaths. Why? Because we let them. We let them take all of the good that we have and use it for bad. Then, when we finally escape a toxic situation, we’re left feeling like crap. We feel like the life has been sucked out of us, things will never be the same, and we wonder where to go from there.
How can we feel whole again?
We need to rediscover self-worth and start anew, or we will wallow in negativity until we, too, become everything we were finally able to release ourselves from. Isn’t that a scary thought? Isn’t this the last thing we would ever want for ourselves and those we care about? Why would we ever want to relive the trauma we let go, or make those we love live through it?
Not all trauma sufferers will be diagnosed with BPD. Not all of those with BPD are trauma sufferers. But, the association does exist, and it is possible to be held captive by both. We must make a choice, or the choice will be made for us.