Borderline personality disorder is considered to be one of the most complex disorders known to psychologists today. From constant misdiagnoses to therapists turning down patients, BPD is highly stigmatized as well as misunderstood in society and the mental health community alike. Misdiagnosis is so common with BPD patients because the symptoms are so complex. Sometimes when conducting an evaluation, the individual may not be able to fully express their feelings, triggers, and interfering behavior. On the other hand, a lot of therapists tend to stay away from diagnosing their patients with BPD because many therapists share the general stigma that surrounds patients with BPD – that they are very hard to treat.
It is important to understand that, to be properly diagnosed with BPD, the individual must qualify for at least five of the nine symptoms that it comes with. Prior to this, the symptoms themselves also must be understood. One particular symptom that tends to stand out in patients with BPD is explosive anger.
Explosive Anger in BPD
If you have BPD, you may struggle with intense anger and a short temper. This mental health disorder impacts the way a person thinks and feels about herself and others. This leads to difficulty managing emotions and behaviors and to a pattern of unstable relationships. You may also have trouble controlling yourself once the fuse is lit – yelling, throwing things, or becoming completely consumed by rage. It is important to note that this anger is not always directed outwards. You may spend a lot of time feeling angry at yourself.
According to Very Well Mind “Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience anger so intense it is often referred to as “borderline rage.” This anger sometimes comes in response to a perceived interpersonal slight – for example, feeling criticized by a loved one,” says Kristalyn Salters, Clinical Psychologist and associate Professor of Psychology, “If you experience this kind of anger, you may have a hard time controlling it. Many people with BPD engage in unhealthy behaviors when they get angry, including acts that can cause physical harm or destroy relationships.”
What Can BPD Patients do to Manage This?
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. mindfulness practices make people more dispassionate around anger.
Take Deep Breaths
Practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce the physical arousal you feel when you become angry. Take a few minutes to breathe slowly
Distract Yourself
Some people find it helpful to engage in another, distracting activity when they are getting caught up in their anger. To do this successfully, find an activity that can really hold your attention.
Communicate Assertively
Sometimes instead of lashing out in anger, people with BPD hold that anger in or direct it toward themselves. This can be just as destructive as lashing out.