What Does BPD Splitting Mean For Relationships?

Personality disorders are mental health conditions. They are represented by ongoing behavior pattern changes, lack of cognitive awareness, and turmoil of internal experiences. These characteristics usually do not align with society’s expectations of a stable quality of life.

People with personality disorders experience distress and impairment that makes daily functions difficult. As a result, work, school, and personal obligations can suffer or be impossible to complete. That’s where we come in. TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health’s BPD treatment center can provide the tools to stop BPD splitting in your relationships.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) causes pervasive instability in social relationships, self-image, and mood. BPD can also cause individuals to risk impulsive actions without fear of harm or consequence. Individuals with BPD may also struggle with anger management and engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior and feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.

BPD splitting occurs as a defense mechanism or mental confusion when people with BPD can only see themselves, others, and situations as good or bad with slight variation. Individuals who experience BPD splitting only see life in absolutes. So what does BPD splitting mean for relationships? It can adversely impact them, leading to individuals engaging in risky behaviors, making destructive decisions, and maintaining unstable relationships.

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Individuals can exhibit any of the symptoms of a personality disorder at different points in life. However, the constant need for acceptance, attention, or disregard for the safety of others is a co-dependency. Life without a middle ground can be difficult to navigate successfully.

9.1% of the U.S. population meets the criteria for at least one personality disorder. Of the 10 types, borderline personality is the most common. 

Medical professionals find diagnosing young kids with personality disorders and mental illnesses challenging. This is because there are developmental milestones that haven’t been reached yet. However, the pattern of tendencies becomes more apparent by adolescence and into early adulthood. This is the range mental health professionals use for most diagnoses. 

Like most mental health disorders, personality disorders are usually not diagnosed in isolation. Mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD) are the most common conditions associated with personality disorders. Individuals with eating disorders also tend to have a form of personality disorder. 

Treatment for personality disorders includes a range of psychotherapy approaches. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy are the most effective. For individuals with co-occurring disorders, medication might be necessary.

Common Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Professional support is the only way to take control of these devastating effects and reframe how you approach relationships. This condition is often confused with bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. A precise diagnosis ensures the best treatment for you.

You will receive a thorough assessment by a clinician trained in personality disorders. Together, you and your care team will create your personalized treatment plan. Review the following symptoms of BPD if you think you or a loved one might be experiencing splitting behavior.

• Starting a new relationship or ending an existing one without warning to avoid feeling left out
• A pattern of intense and unstable relationships with others
• A distorted and unstable self-image and self of who you are
• Unsafe, reckless behaviors like spending sprees, unsafe sex, abusing drugs, and binge eating
• Self-harming behavior, such as cutting and threatening to harm yourself
• Showing signs of suicidal behaviors or threats
• Intense emotions and mood swings can last from a few hours to a few days
• Feelings of abandonment or emptiness that won’t go away
• Inappropriate, intense anger or problems controlling anger
• Feelings of dissociation, as if you’re watching yourself from outside your body, as if you’re someone else

BPD Splitting and Relationships

While BPD splitting poses challenges for relationships, it is a symptom of BPD that can be addressed through therapy. Seeking professional help is crucial to navigating the complexities of BPD and promoting healthier relationship dynamics.

Below are some challenges BPD splitting causes to romantic relationships and family dynamics.

• Idealization and Devaluation: Individuals with BPD may idealize others at the beginning of a relationship. Through their eyes, the other person is flawless. The idealization can lead to intense infatuation or admiration. However, when the one with BPD splitting suspects a flaw, they may quickly switch to devaluation. This means they view the person as the entire opposite and unworthy. The individual with BPD splitting feels a rollercoaster of emotions.

• Fear of Abandonment: The fear of abandonment is the most significant component of BPD. During bouts of devaluation, individuals with BPD may push their partners or family members away, fearing rejection or betrayal. They may resort to extreme behaviors such as threats of leaving, self-harm, or suicidal ideation to hold onto the relationship.
• Impaired Communication: Splitting can interfere with communication within relationships. Black-and-white thinking can lead to extreme interpretations of words or actions. All involved will find it hard to have engaging conversations that aren’t filled with hostility.
• Instability and Intensity: Relationships with individuals who exhibit BPD splitting can be emotionally intense and unstable. The sudden shifts from idealization to devaluation and back can create a sense of unpredictability within the relationship.
• Impact on Self-Identity: BPD splitting affects the perception of others and self-perception. Individuals with BPD may struggle with a broken sense of self, moving between feeling unique to damaged.

Our Treatment Approaches for BPD Splitting

While BPD splitting poses challenges for relationships, it is a symptom that can be addressed through therapy. Evidence-based treatments and holistic approaches can help our clients with BPD develop healthier thinking patterns, emotional regulation skills, and more stable interpersonal relationships.

Talk Therapy

• Family Therapy helps treat BPD. It provides understanding, support, and education for family members. It strengthens relationships by addressing the impact of BPD on family dynamics.
• Group Therapy is a respectful environment your therapist leads. It’s a way to hone your communication skills and learn from the stories of others. You become a better listener and think outside of yourself. Fellowship is vital in early recovery.
• Individual Therapy sessions are the time between just you and your therapist. You work through the personal aspects of your BPD splitting. You can focus on facing your challenges.
• Life Coaching works with clients to help them create a fulfilling and purposeful life. While therapists and counselors focus on addressing the psychological aspects of BPD, our life coaches focus on practical strategies and skills to support clients in rebuilding their lives.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) involves a non-judgemental and empathetic conversation with a therapist to help increase our clients’ motivation to change their behaviors. By exploring each individual’s values, goals, and concerns, the approach identifies and reinforces self-determination to begin making more positive changes.

Behavioral Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies. The idea behind ACT is to focus on helping individuals develop mental and emotional flexibility and avoid making risky decisions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) makes individuals aware of attention and concentration problems. It improves their organization and time management. They can break down tasks easier to manage their daily lives. CBT builds confidence and controls impulsive behavior. Individuals with BPD gain confidence and can control impulsive and risky behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps individuals participate in their therapy. Professionals recommend DBT as a treatment for BPD because it effectively combines CBT, mindfulness, and acceptance strategies. DBT teaches essential skills for managing emotions, impulsive behavior, and relationships. Individuals set goals, track progress, and make decisions about their treatment.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps individuals understand unhelpful thoughts that can lead to negative emotions or behaviors. REBT focuses on the moment and what a person is feeling. Our therapists help you form new ways of approaching challenges, thoughts, and circumstances. The root of the adverse emotions is addressed so that self-sabotaging behavior can taper off.

Holistic Therapy

• Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. The therapist will determine where to place the needles based on individual needs. Once they do, the energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), follows pathways throughout the body to restore balance and promote health and well-being.
• Animal therapy allows interactions between humans and animals to stimulate physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. We use horses that are domesticated and trained for therapy purposes. We incorporate them into various therapeutic settings to facilitate positive outcomes for individuals.
• Art therapy can include drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. It promotes self-confidence and self-esteem, doesn’t require dialogue, and is a judgment-free safe space. Art therapy fosters self-reflection, self-discovery, and emotional release, allowing individuals to gain insight into their addiction triggers and underlying issues. By integrating art therapy into a treatment plan, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve overall well-being.
• Movement therapy involves physical activities such as dance, fitness, or martial arts to support healing and recovery. It helps individuals express emotions, reduce stress, improve body awareness, and develop healthy coping strategies as part of their treatment.
• Music therapy uses music and its elements to assist with addiction recovery and mental health disorders. Music has a unique ability to stimulate emotions, bring up good memories, and boost relaxation. In music therapy, individuals engage in activities such as listening, playing instruments, singing, or composing music. These activities can help individuals express their feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a healthy emotional outlet.
• Yoga is a therapeutic practice that alleviates the symptoms of addiction because of its positive impact on mental health. We combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to encourage our clients to be in the present. Yoga is a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Our Treatment Programs for BPD Splitting

During BPD treatment, our clients can participate in a combination of treatment programs, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and sober living homes. The specific treatment process is dependent on each individual. We consider your current health issues, underlying mental disorders, and overall well-being.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the standard treatment model we offer. IOP combines therapies like DBT, counseling, and life skills training. The flexible schedule consists of three days each week (during the day or in the evening) for 9 hours.

IOP usually lasts about three months to six months. Don’t worry. A 24/7 overnight stay is not required, so you don’t have to put your life on pause.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Here’s another outpatient option to consider. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is our more intensive outpatient program. PHP involves daily attendance for 30 total hours each week. We combine behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and medication to treat borderline personality disorder. We also use holistic approaches like yoga, meditation, and adventure therapy.

You can choose other natural therapies we offer, including:

• Massage Therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Music Therapy
• Yoga
• Movement Therapy
• Therapeutic Fitness
• Art Therapy
• Acupuncture

Sober Living Homes

Our sober living program is a great next step after completing inpatient treatment. Sober living provides a safe and structured environment for sustained sobriety. Checking into a sober living home is ideal for using everything you learned in therapy.

We serve four levels of sober living. The National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR) established these categories. Each has different variables like cost, level of monitoring, and clinical services available.

• Peer-run
• Monitored
• Supervised
• Integrated

Reach out for Support Today

If you or a family member is ready to break the cycle of BPD splitting, TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health is here to assist you in taking your life back. Our BPD treatment center team is standing by 24/7 to take your call to start your admissions process.