BPD and Affective Instability

It is time to talk a bit more about BPD and this week we are looking at affective instability, if like me your first thoughts on reading those words is what the hell is that then I will tell you.

It refers to the erratic mood swings people with BPD experience. It is due to this symptom that the suffer can be incredibly happy one moment and incredibly angry the next, these shifts can happen as quick as within minutes. It is considered the core pathology in BPD.

People with BPD often feel consumed by their emotions, when sad they act out their sadness and when angry they do the same thing. There is little to no room for reflecting or trying to control their emotions, they just react.

Most of us can identify and recognise our emotions and try to improve how we are feeling, those with BPD do not have the ability to regulate their emotions and so can’t do this. They are a victim of their circumstances; their emotions wash over them like a tsunami crashing to the shore.

Naturally this can be exhausting for both the suffer and their loved ones. Those with BPD often feel out of control which they are, and their loved ones are clueless as to why they have suddenly become angry.

Also remember that often it is the loved ones who get the worst of this affective instability, as the person with BPD may feel more comfortable around them a subconsciously allow their greatest emotional outbursts for those, they know will not leave them.

If you have a loved one with this disorder, please remember that it is one of the most painful mental illnesses someone can have.