Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a debilitating mental health condition that affects every aspect of a person's life. It is characterized by a wide range of reactions that can be considered self-destructive or self-sabotaging. A study found statistical correlations between a greater number of endorsements in the measure of medical self-sabotage and each of the three measures of BPD. This suggests that medical self-sabotage is a behavioral characteristic of those suffering from BPD.
Self-sabotage behaviors include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-harm, such as cutting. People with BPD may also experience suicidal feelings and act on them. In addition, they often feel a greater amount of energy, do not sleep enough, and experience feelings of euphoria. These symptoms may cause a doctor to suspect that the person is actually experiencing a manic episode as part of bipolar disorder and not immediately understand their actual diagnosis.
It is possible to stop self-sabotaging behaviors when living with BPD. According to Joseph, self-sabotage occurs when you do certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary. To stop self-sabotaging behaviors, it is important to recognize them and understand why they are happening. It is also important to practice self-care and build healthy coping skills.
Additionally, it is important to reach out for help from mental health professionals who can provide support and guidance. By recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors, understanding why they are happening, practicing self-care, building healthy coping skills, and reaching out for help from mental health professionals, it is possible to stop self-sabotaging behaviors when living with BPD.
