Fact 7: Self-Image Issues
For those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), maintaining a consistent sense of self can be a herculean task. It’s not about mere fluctuations in mood or self-esteem. Instead, it’s akin to standing on shifting sands where one’s self-image, values, aspirations, and even likes or dislikes can change with bewildering frequency. Today’s passionate interest might become tomorrow’s disdain. This mercurial self-concept leaves many feeling lost, perpetually trying to grasp onto a stable identity.
While everyone grapples with questions of identity at some point, for those with BPD, it’s amplified. These aren’t just teenage growing pains or midlife crises. It’s a pervasive feeling of “not knowing oneself.” This uncertainty can lead to a deep-seated insecurity. There’s often a chronic feeling of emptiness, a void that they might try to fill with relationships, pursuits, or even risky behaviors.
As with many aspects of BPD, the reasons behind this volatile self-image are multifaceted. Early childhood experiences, particularly those involving neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving, can contribute. When a child’s emotions or thoughts are frequently invalidated or dismissed, they can grow up doubting their own perceptions and feelings. Over time, without a solid base to build upon, developing a stable sense of self becomes challenging.
This inconsistency in self-perception isn’t a secluded issue; it bleeds into various facets of life. Career choices, relationships, hobbies, and even fundamental life goals can change on a whim. It’s like perpetually recalibrating one’s compass. This lack of a steady identity can strain relationships, with partners or friends finding it challenging to keep up with the ever-changing tides. (7)
