If someone you love is dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), then you are doubtlessly dealing with it, too. And you probably have what feels like a million questions — What’s happening? What caused this? Will this ever end?
At the top of your list of questions is likely: How can I help?
One of the best ways you can help someone with Borderline Personality Disorder is to gently discuss the idea of seeking Borderline Personality Disorder treatment with them. This can be a tricky situation and, of course, the ultimate decision as to whether or not to seek BPD treatment is up to the individual.
Still, the more information you have on what options are out there and what types of BPD treatment programs are available to help your loved one recover from the often life-paralyzing symptoms of BPD, the more you might find them listening.
Here are some things to consider when helping a loved one find Borderline Personality Disorder treatment:
Make a Plan
Beginning this journey can feel overwhelming. Start slow. Let your loved one know that you realize recovery is a process and that nothing happens overnight. Gather names of Borderline Personality Disorder treatment centers to call and visit. Take baby steps — maybe make a goal of calling or visiting one BPD treatment center a day.
Ask Questions
Once at the Borderline Personality Disorder treatment centers, don’t be shy about asking questions. Have a list ready. Get the answers you need, as well as a sense of the attitude the professionals at the center have about informing you. Some helpful information to inquire about might include:
- Is the staff trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
- Do they offer holistic treatment, such as yoga and meditation?
- Do they treat co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse or eating disorders?
- Do they offer both group and individual therapy?
- What do their DBT treatment programs look like?
- Do they offer support programs for family members and loved ones?
- Do they offer continued support for patients once they have completed their BPD treatment?
- Are both inpatient and outpatient Borderline Personality Disorder programs available?
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Get to know the differences between inpatient and outpatient Borderline Personality Disorder treatment centers. Which is right for your loved one?
If your loved one’s symptoms are severe enough that everyday life is becoming an impossibility, an inpatient, or residential, Borderline Personality Disorder treatment program might be the right choice. A residential program offers a nurturing living environment in which your loved one will participate in an array of group and individual therapy.
An outpatient Borderline Personality Disorder treatment program offers many of the same benefits as a residential Borderline Personality Disorder treatment program, but is more flexible in helping your loved one maintain a daily schedule while allowing them to live at home or in another supportive living environment.
Many who complete residential Borderline Personality Disorder treatment programs continue on with outpatient Borderline Personality Disorder treatment programs for further support.
Support
This is one of the best ways you can help your loved one with their Borderline Personality Disorder. Be there for them when they start, be there when they finish.
One of the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder is fear of abandonment. It’s not uncommon for those suffering from BPD to fear that, if they recover from their symptoms, they will lose the attention and concern they experienced from those around them when they were suffering.
A good Borderline Personality Disorder treatment center will offer resources and support for family members and loved ones to help them deal with the issues surrounding this often misunderstood mental disorder.
Remember that it might take some time to get your loved one the Borderline Personality Disorder treatment they need. Be patient, and let them know you are there to help, whenever they may need it.
