During a time of crisis, the help a person with borderline personality disorder needs to receive may be different. Find out why here.
Demonstrating a crisis in a family member or someone close to you is never easy. As part of the support network Your wish revolves around the well-being of the person who is going through that difficult moment, including saving them., and see a way to remove that pain and emotional emptiness that you feel; however, the help that can be provided may be limited to what we think we could offer you.
What actions or strategies to take to help you?
As we already mentioned in a when relating assertively with a person who has borderline personality disorder (BPD) You must learn to recognize the moments in which a crisis may occur and in the midst of it do not distance yourself, on the contrary, provide support without judging.
We know that it is a recommendation that can become complicated during moments of anger, instability or constant dysphoria that you will receive from him or her, but that will be the key to being able to help him or her.
Below, we share the advice that Alicia Escaño, Spanish psychotherapist; toasted for the magazine :
- Let them know your availability for support
People with BPD should have a list of contacts they turn to in crises. These people must convey security, respond regardless of the case and know how to react to the needs of the moment.
- Unconditional acceptance
This means that people accept that they have this disorder and that in a moment of crisis they will not receive a reflection on how they should feel, nor defensive or contrary comments. Provide understanding, these crises are part of your disorder and their duration is not infinite.
- Show affection
In moments of crisis, no matter how defensive the other person is, the recommendation is to accompany them without judging them and letting them know that you are there despite everything. Love, company and empathy are tools you can use, just like a hug.. It is normal if it is not your nature and you want to avoid it, but hugging the other person in a situation like this can deactivate it and help.
- Reassure him that the TLP does not define him
Receiving a diagnosis of an illness, whether physical or mental, is not easy and One of the tasks of the person who lives with it is to understand that it is not all that set of symptoms and signs that they often receive.and. This will allow you to feel less guilt and cope with the condition.
- Don’t leave him alone
During a crisis, the person with BPD may resort to self-harm, alcohol, drug use, and even suicide attempts. That’s why it’s important Do not leave them alone and hide items that may cause them to harm themselves, such as knives, pasta, among others.. It is also recommended to remind them of the times they have overcome similar situations and that the crisis does not last forever.
- Don’t overprotect
Validating emotions and tolerating personality difficulties is very different from making him dependent on you. In that sense, it allows the person to maintain their routines, autonomy and responsibilities regarding their daily tasks.