Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, mental health disorder. It is a complex psychological condition that is characterized by “a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations, and impulsivity. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with relationship issues, lack self-esteem, have a poor self-image, and have an inability to appropriately self-regulate.” The symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder can hinder one’s ability to function optimally in daily life. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) estimates that 1.4% of the adult population in America experience BPD. The treatment for BPD often includes long-term participation in one or more psychodynamic models of psychotherapy.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a explained as a type of “meditation which involves paying attention to the present moment, deliberately and nonjudgmentally.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) further describes mindfulness mediation as “welcoming each moment and experience with curiosity and openness, without automatic attachment to what is pleasant, aversion to what is unpleasant or indifference to what is neutral.” Mindfulness meditation can offer several benefits for individuals with BPD, such as:
- Increased emotional awareness: Mindfulness meditation facilitates recognizing emotions as they arise, which can promote emotional regulation and reduce impulsive reactions.
- Improved distress tolerance: Mindfulness meditation bolsters an individual’s ability to tolerate distressing emotions and sensations without judgment. This acceptance can reduce the urge to engage in self-destructive behaviors during moments of distress.
- Enriched interpersonal relationships: Mindfulness meditation fosters empathy and compassion, allowing individuals with BPD to better understand others’ perspectives and respond to them with kindness, enhancing the quality of their relationships.
- Reduced physical symptoms: Mindfulness meditation has been associated with reduced physical symptoms related to stress, such as muscle tension and headaches, improving overall well-being.
- Reduced identity disturbance: BPD often involves identity disturbance. Mindfulness meditation can help individuals clarify their self-identity by fostering a sense of continuity and stability in self-perception.
- Enhanced decision-making: Mindfulness meditation can increase mental clarity and focus, which can help individuals with BPD become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to recognize impulsive urges and choose healthier responses.
It is important to note that although mindfulness meditation is not a cure for BPD, it can be a helpful component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
