How DBT Helps People with Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an emotional rollercoaster, with no brakes. In life, one minute we are good and the next minute we are angered, frightened, or depressed. The relationships turn out to be insecure, and a minor problem in real life causes a strong reaction. However, things can improve, and oftentimes, it begins with an effective treatment known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

The development of DBT has been specifically targeted at individuals with BPD.  Over the years, it has helped thousands of individuals to regain control over their lives. In this article, we will see what DBT is and why it works so well in dealing with this disorder.

DBT is a cognitive behavioral treatment that involves the integration of two key ideas: acceptance and change. Dialectical is a term that is interpreted as the balancing of two notions that are opposed to each other. It assists individuals to become comfortable with what they are feeling in that particular moment, while still working toward healthier behavior and thought patterns. Such balance is important in making people with BPD feel they are not misinterpreted and misunderstood, without feeling stuck.

DBT was developed by a psychologist named Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. It was initially designed to treat patients with long-term suicidal feelings and erratic emotions. It is regarded as the gold standard to treat BPD.

People with BPD often deal with:

Such symptoms can be overwhelming for the affected person and other members around them. In untreated cases, BPD may result in severed relationship lines, loss of jobs, and mental disorders in a crisis.

DBT is not merely talking; it is a skill-based approach. It imparts pragmatic resources so that individuals can manage their feelings, relations, and life pressure in a better way. It has four major modules:

This teaches one to be present. Rather than having to make decisions based on impulse or being consumed by too many emotions, individuals are taught to look at themselves and consider their thoughts and feelings unconditionally.

Life has curveballs. It is a skill to endure an emotional crisis without exacerbating the situation emotionally, such as in the form of self-harm, substance abuse, or temper tantrums.

BPD comes with extreme and rapid alternating moods. This module educates you on how to deal with those emotions and control them before they get out of control.

People with BPD can find relationships to be a strong stressor. This is the aspect of DBT that is concerned with boundary setting, requests, and self-respect in challenging situations.

BPD is not being too emotional or sensitive. It is a severe mental disorder that is based on emotional suffering. The idea is not to fix people with DBT. It assists them in developing talents in order to lead better lives.

This is the secret of its working:

Studies have indicated that DBT decreased suicidal behavior, hospitalizations, and emotional distress among individuals with BPD. It also enhances the general living standards.

A typical DBT consists of:

It can be a dedication, but according to many, it was the first time they ever felt like they could be seen, understood, and capable of change.

Borderline Personality Disorder does not need to be on top of your life. Healing is not a fairytale, it is real with the best support and right tools in place, and the right mindset, it is possible. The Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides individuals with BPD the management needed to deal with emotions, improve relationships, and, lastly, find peace with themselves.