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How to cope with a loved one who has BPD or BPD like symptoms: a thread.
This thread can be helpful to anyone who has a loved who has intense emotional outbursts.
Read down below
This thread can be helpful to anyone who has a loved who has intense emotional outbursts.
Read down below
1. Make them feel heard. Your loved one may have outbursts that seem entirely irrational and even a little over dramatic to you. Tell them we will talk about it after we’ve both calmed down, and in the mean time stay with them and give a distractions (like a game, or movie)
2. Set clear boundaries early. Once you allow them to break boundaries, it’s gonna be a lot harder for them to adjust. So make sure you set clear boundaries immediately, and be firm yet compassionate about what you need as well.
3. Offer your support. Sometimes your loved one may just need you to approach things much more gentle. Validate their feelings.
Ex. “I know you want to talk to me right now, but I’m at work, and as soon as I get off work we will hang out. I love you.”
Ex. “I know you want to talk to me right now, but I’m at work, and as soon as I get off work we will hang out. I love you.”
4. Do not dismiss their emotions. Saying things like “you’re overreacting” “you’re being dramatic” “why are you always upset” “you always do this” will further put your loved one into an episode. Instead just say “I understand you’re upset”.
5. Take the time to ask your loved one what could help them, and what makes them feel better when they’re having an emotional episode. Everyone is different and it’s important to know which ways calms them down the best.
6. And remember, you can have a healthy happy relationship / friendship with someone who has BPD, or BPD like symptoms. It just requires time, validation, compassion, and a firm set of boundaries.
