So here we at Thursday so it is time for a post about Borderline Personality Disorder. This week we are looking at identity disturbance. This isn’t just something that effects those with BPD.
Identity disturbance in borderline personality disorder is characterized by a painful sense of incoherence, objective inconsistencies in beliefs and behaviours, overidentification with groups or roles, and, to a lesser extent, difficulties with commitment to jobs, values, and goals.
Our core sense of self refers to our personality, preferences, self-image, and belief system. Ideally, this sense of self guides our morals and helps us live a meaningful life.
But people with BPD lack a core sense of self. Instead, they often feel plagued by the existential question, who am I? This question can disrupt their emotions, relationships, and self-esteem.
As a result, people with BPD may seemingly change their identity on a whim. For example, they might dye their hair a different colour each week or spontaneously get tattoos without considering the permanence.
Their personalities may shift as seamlessly as the weather, and these changes can be confusing for the people around them.
They can also be highly impressionable. For example, after spending time with a new friend, they might go out and buy an entire wardrobe that replicates that person. They may embrace all their hobbies and preferences- as if they were their original interests, too.
In a more extreme form, this identity disturbance may resemble symptoms of dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder). It can seem as if they slip in and out of entirely different personalities, embracing different personas depending on the circumstances.
Jo-AnneRamplings 
Dearest Jo-Anne,
It is a complex and also a very sad condition—especially for those around that care about this person.
All those that are ‘normal’—whatever that definition means, can be very grateful for not having to deal with all the ins and outs of people with disturbances!
Hugs,
Mariette
My hope is that those family members who read my blog will understand more what’s going on with Sue.
Let’s hope they will get your gentle nudge…!
Thanks for writing this informative post. I (most likely) have BPD among other things myself (don’t know my current diagnosis except for autism, but relate to BPD and it used to be among my diagnoses at least). Is Sue your daughter? Sorry for being ignorant, this is my first visit to your blog.
Hi thanks for dropping by, Sue is my sister, I am pleased you liked the post I want to understand more what she is going through and thus I am doing these posts, I know very little about BPD or Autism although my grandchild Sam has autism as does my nephew (brother’s son)
Ah, thanks for clarifying. I’m so sorry your sister struggles with BPD. I’m going to write more about autism on my blog soon, as I’m trying to be more candid about my experiences.