Navigating a Borderline Personality Disorder Episode

In the whirlwind of emotional turbulence that defines a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) episode, supporting a loved one can be challenging yet incredibly vital. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with knowledge and practical tips on how to help someone during a BPD episode, contributing to their well-being and stability.


Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of unstable relationships, intense emotions, and poor self-image. Episodes of "crises" often involve mood swings, impulsive actions, and intense anger or fear of abandonment.


Recognizing a BPD Episode

Recognizing a BPD episode is the first step toward providing effective help. Typical signs of an episode may include:

  • Rapid mood swings
  • Intense anger or rage
  • Feelings of emptiness
  • Fear of real or imagined abandonment
  • Impulsive or risky behaviors


How to Help During a BPD Episode

It's crucial to approach the person with understanding, patience, and consistency. Here are some practical ways to help:


Stay Calm

Remaining calm during a BPD episode can help the person manage their heightened emotions better. Your calm demeanor can be reassuring, helping to soothe their distress.


Validation

Validating their feelings doesn't mean you agree with their perception or actions. It shows that you acknowledge their emotional experience. Validation can reduce feelings of isolation and often help deescalate the episode's intensity.


Encourage Self-Soothing Techniques

Encourage your loved one to engage in self-soothing activities that they have found helpful. This could be deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or listening to calming music.


Set Boundaries

While it's important to be supportive, it's equally crucial to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. It helps people with BPD understand acceptable behavior and protects their emotional well-being.


Post-Episode Care

After the immediate crisis has passed, it's essential to encourage the individual to continue their therapy or treatment plan. Discussing crisis management strategies to handle future episodes is also beneficial.

A Note for Caregivers

Remember, while supporting someone during a BPD episode is important, your mental health and self-care are equally vital. Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or drained.


Helping someone through a BPD episode requires patience, understanding, and effective communication. As we understand more about BPD, the path toward managing it becomes clearer and filled with hope.

Grouport Offers BPD Group Supports Online & DBT Skills Group Online

Grouport Therapy offers online Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group sessions to support individuals coping with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This therapy approach utilizes mindfulness and acceptance to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation, helping to reduce destructive behaviors and strengthen interpersonal connections. Our virtual group sessions instruct members on incorporating various psychotherapy techniques, such as DBT, into their everyday lives, enabling them to engage with others and express themselves more effectively.


Our qualified therapist conducts weekly group meetings remotely, allowing members to participate from the comfort of their own homes. As reported by participants, 70% witnessed significant progress within 8 weeks.


You don't need to confront these obstacles by yourself. Enroll in one of our courses today to embark on a path toward substantial, enduring transformation and renewed optimism. Become part of our community and collaborate towards a more promising future.


Please note that due to licensing limitations, our online DBT group therapy sessions are exclusively for residents of Florida, New York, and New Jersey. If you reside outside these states, consider joining our dialectical behavior therapy skills group. Led by a therapist-instructor, this online group will equip you with valuable new strategies to replace the behaviors and emotions that hinder your daily life and relationships.

Join a BPD Group Support Session

We offer DBT group therapy online to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, & interpersonal skills. Get effective and affordable treatment.

Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.