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Mental health issues can present challenges in relationships, but support from loved ones plays a crucial role in a person's recovery. Understanding their condition is the first step in offering effective support. Here are some other ways to help a loved one with borderline personality disorder.

Educate yourself

Learning about borderline personality disorder or BPD from reliable sources can provide insights into the condition. It is essential to comprehend its symptoms, such as intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, and unstable self-image, and recognizing that these behaviors are part of the disorder and not intentional can help foster empathy.

Practice patience and empathy

Living with BPD can be overwhelming. Patience is key when emotions run high. Individuals with BPD can highly benefit from a support system that can listen actively and offer them empathy without judgment. Validate their feelings and experiences, showing that you understand even if you might not fully comprehend the intensity of their emotions.

Set boundaries

Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for both parties. Support systems should learn to communicate openly about what can and cannot be done to support them. Family members and friends can learn to set boundaries to help maintain a balance between offering support and taking care of their well-being.

Promote self-care

Encouraging a person with BPID to engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, mindfulness, or artistic pursuits, can aid in emotional regulation. Engaging in these activities together can also offer companionship and encouragement.

Encourage professional help

Encouraging the individual to seek professional help is just as important as self-care. Professionals may prescribe techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT, and attending therapy sessions together, if suitable, can enhance comprehension and communication.

Take care of yourself

When taking care of a loved one, taking care of one's mental health is equally critical. Seeking support from friends, family, or therapists can help manage the emotional toll of providing support.