we have created a signal support group to connect a supportive network of people struggling with cptsd, neurodivergence, bpd and other forms of trauma. please feel free to vent, trauma dump and be together during tough times 🩷

https://signal.group/#CjQKIDyYlgFaxeDUSqLmJBwWiVzGgbtBC0exF3kew0J4A-3LEhA9q2epnMPa-nL_gmAqa2Xo

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.autism.place/post/101822

> TIL: Key differences between Borderline PD and Complex-PTSD > > # Borderline Personality Disorder > > > Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a pervasive and lifelong mental disorder that affects interpersonal relationships, mood, and behavior. Those diagnosed with BPD often struggle with an unstable self-identity and self-image, difficulty in regulating their emotions, impulsive and self-sabotaging behavior, a fear of abandonment, feelings of emptiness, and a pattern of highly unstable relationships where idealization and devaluation are common. > > # Complex-PTSD > > > Complex PTSD, or cPTSD, is a subset of PTSD. Whereas PTSD is a fear-based disorder, cPTSD is often referred to as a shame-based disorder originating from a history of chronic, and long-term exposure to traumatic events such as ongoing severe child abuse or long-term relationship abuse. > > > # Key Differences Between BPD and cPTSD > > > > * While both disorders may experience symptoms associated with fear within relationships, one distinguishing factor seen in BPD that is not often seen in cPTSD is a fear of abandonment. Those with cPTSD, however, may avoid relationships based on feeling somehow unlovable or undeserving because of the abuse they endured, which can overlap with similar feelings experienced in BPD. Similarly, those with cPTSD often avoid relationships altogether or push others away as unsafe or threatening; these behaviors may be confused as a fear of abandonment seen in those with BPD. > > > > * Those with cPTSD may often feel shame and blame themselves for their interpersonal problems—a symptom that is also similar to the experiences of those with BPD. However, another key difference is that those with cPTSD usually do not self-harm; this is a more common behavior seen in BPD, where stressors in interpersonal relationships may trigger episodes of self-harming behavior. This may include suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. > > > > * Another key difference between the two is that whereas both may feel relationships are seen as unsafe or threatening, a person with cPTSD may often choose to avoid intimacy or relationships altogether. A person with BPD, on the other hand, may struggle with being alone and may use relationships to prevent feelings of loneliness or abandonment. > > > > * While both those with BPD and cPTSD struggle with emotional regulation and often experience outbursts of anger or crying, those with cPTSD may experience emotional numbing, emptiness, or detachment from emotions. > > > > * Additionally, while both those with cPTSD and BPD can struggle with a solid self-concept, those with BPD often struggle with an understanding of who they are at their core. They may change their interests or hobbies depending on who they associate with because of a limited sense of self-identity. On the other hand, those with cPTSD have an understanding and awareness of who they are and have a more stable self-identity. However, they struggle with feeling "damaged" or deserving of the pain they’ve suffered and carry misbeliefs about themselves as unworthy of love or undeserving of happiness. These experiences impact relationships, which may be confused as a problem with self-identity or self-awareness. > > > > * Lastly, while both those with BPD and cPTSD often struggle with traumatic pasts, with successful treatment those with cPTSD may experience less emotional reactions or behavioral disruptions over time by engaging in calming strategies or redirecting their energy away from an emotional stressor to reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks. > > tl;dr: > * BPD has fear of abandonment. cPTSD has fear of relationships > * BPD has self-harm. cPTSD does not self-harm. > * BPD struggle with being alone. cPTSD avoid intimacy and relationships. > * cPTSD is more likely to experience emotional numbing and detachment. > * BPD have difficulty understanding their core identity. cPTSD see themselves as damaged. > * cPTSD symptoms can improve with successful treatment.

From the National Institute of Mental Health

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

>Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others. Effective treatments are available that can help people manage the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

What are some signs and symptoms of BPD?

>People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense mood swings and feel uncertainty about how they see themselves. Their feelings for others can change quickly, and swing from extreme closeness to extreme dislike. These changing feelings can lead to unstable relationships and emotional pain.

>People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their interests and values can change quickly, and they may act impulsively or recklessly. For a full list of symptoms click here.

How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?

>A licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker—can diagnose borderline personality disorder based on a thorough evaluation of a person’s symptoms, experiences, and family medical history. A careful and thorough medical exam can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

>Borderline personality disorder is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. Occasionally, people younger than age 18 may be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder if their symptoms are significant and last at least 1 year.

How is borderline personality disorder treated?

>With evidence-based treatment, many people with borderline personality disorder experience fewer and less severe symptoms, improved functioning, and better quality of life. It is important for people with borderline personality disorder to receive treatment from a licensed mental health professional.

>Psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) is the main treatment for people with borderline personality disorder. Most psychotherapy occurs with a licensed, trained mental health professional in one-on-one sessions or with other people in group settings. Group sessions can help people with borderline personality disorder learn how to interact with others and express themselves effectively. Sub-specialities of psychotherapy particularly effective for BPD include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy. These are special types of therapy which help individuals with BPD manage intense emotions, mood swings, and self-destructive behaviors associated with BPD.

>While medications are not commonly used in the treatment of BPD specifically, in some cases, a psychiatrist may recommend medications to treat specific symptoms or co-occurring mental disorders such as mood swings or depression. Treatment with medications may require coordinated care among several health care providers.

How can I find help for my borderline personality disorder?

>If you’re not sure where to get help, a health care provider can refer you to a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating borderline personality disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also has an online treatment locator to help you find mental health services in your area.

How can I help family members/loved ones with borderline personality disorder?

>Take time to learn about the illness to understand what your friend or relative is experiencing.

>Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. Change can be difficult and frightening to people with borderline personality disorder, but things can improve over time.

>Encourage your loved one in treatment for borderline personality disorder to ask about family therapy.

>Seek counseling for yourself. Choose a different therapist than the one your relative is seeing.

Please note that if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm you should seek the treatment of a mental healthcare professional immediately. Hotlines are also available for those without access to a professional. The number for the Federal Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are struggling.