Lexi Geller
Staff Reporter
As described in the DSM 5, there are nine symptoms that are seen and used as criteria in diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder. One of the behaviors is suicidal behavior and self-harm. This is a symptom that very obviously puts a lot of difficulty and strain on someone suffering with BPD.
According to Psychologia, “70 percent of borderline patients attempt to commit suicide and 10 percent actually die by their own hand”. This is clearly a symptom that puts a person’s life in danger. The number does not even include those who die while performing a high-risk act fueled by their impulsivity. Other deaths can include those who drive recklessly. These are not the only ways that people with BPD may hurt themselves. They also commonly use methods such as cutting, burning, breaking bones, provoking fights, or eating and drinking until they are sick, as described by Psychologia.
There are many ways and reasons for self-harming behavior in those who suffer from BPD, one reason could be them feeling like they are lacking the attention and validation that they feel they need from a specific person. At times, some people with BPD may even threaten suicide or self-harm without ever actually intending to. There are many times when threats of self-harm may not be true, but as previously stated, there are many times when the person with BPD does in fact end up killing themselves or greatly harming themselves. They may also partake in these acts because they feel there is no other way to handle emotional pain. Self-harming can become a very bad habit that unfortunately, many people with BPD suffer with.
Image Credit: BPD Humans
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