Angelina Jolie is one of the most popular actresses all over the world. Also, she is a film director and screenwriter and she has gained many awards during her career. Most of us know her as Brad Pitt’s wife. But, probably didn’t know that she has borderline personality disorder. In 1990s when she went to seek medical help, she was told to have this disorder. Before she sought help, she was promiscuous and her relationship were volatile. Other symptoms that she had were suicidal thoughts and also homicidal tendencies but it was said that she didn’t plan to realize them. The treatment has helped her to have a normal life and long-time marriage with Brad Pitt. Also, she has become a representative of mental health and awareness and she shares her experiences with the audience in order to help all the people who might have a similar problem.

A personality disorder is a pattern of feelings and behaviors that seem appropriate and justified to the person experiencing them, even though these feelings and behaviors cause a great deal of problems in that person’s life. Borderline personality disorder is a personality disorder that typically includes the following symptoms are inappropriate or external emotional reactions, highly impulsive behaviors and a history of unstable relationship. Intense mood swings,impulsive behaviors and extreme reactions can make it difficult for people with borderline personality disorder to complete schooling,maintain stable jobs, have long-lasting and healthy relationship.

As with most mental disorders, the causes of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are not completely understood. It is probably caused by combination of genes and life experiences. Having a mental health condition, being very sensitive or suffering abuse or neglect during childhood may make some people more likely to develop BPD. But not everyone with these factors will experience BPD and not everyone with these experiences will develop a BPD. In some people, a stressful event or relationship breakup may cause BPD to develop. During times of stress, many people with BPD experience post-traumatic stress symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, feelings of unreality and panic attacks.

 Borderline personality disorder can damage many areas of our life. It can negatively affect intimate relationship,jobs,school,social activities and self-image resulting in repeated jobs changes or losses, not completing an education, legal issues such as jail time, conflict-filled relationships, marital stress or divorce, self-injury such as cutting or burning and frequent hospitalizations, involvement in abusive relationships, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, motor vehicle accidents and physical fights due to impulsive and risky behavior and attempted or completed suicide. In addition, may have other mental health disorders such as depression, alcohol or other substance misuse, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other personality disorders.

People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world.  Borderline personality symptoms vary from a person to person and women are more likely to have this disorder than men. Common symptoms of the disorder include the following self-harming behavior such as cutting, unstable career plans, goals and aspirations, a history of unstable relationship that can change drastically from intense love and idealization to intense hate, feelings of isolation, boredom and emptiness, inappropriate, intense anger or problems controlling anger and recurring thoughts of suicidal behavior or threats. The term “borderline” refers to the fact that people with this condition tend to “border” on being diagnosed with additional mental health conditions in their lifetime including psychosis. Not everyone with BPD experiences every symptom. Some individuals experience only a few symptoms while other have many.  Symptoms can be triggered by seemingly ordinary events. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and their illness.

Borderline personality disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy but medication may be added. Treatment can help you learn skills to manage and cope with conditions. With treatment can feel better and live a more stable, rewarding life. If possible, find a mental health professional with experience in treating personality disorders. Therapy is a general term for the application of techniques used to improve a person’s mental or physical well-being.

 Psychotherapy also called  talk therapy is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder .The goals of psychotherapy are to help focus on current ability to function, learn to manage emotions that feel uncomfortable and work on improving relationships by being aware of feelings and those of others. Several types of psychotherapy for mental illnesses include Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Interpersonal therapy (IPT) and Family-focused therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT, helps patients to recognize and alter their inaccurate perception about themselves, other people and the world around them. CBT is ideal for individuals who can’t take medications for their disorder or for those who have thoughts and behavioral patterns that display a form of mental illness.

 There is no specific medicine to treat personality disorders. However, antidepressant medicines may be used to treat associated conditions such as anxiety and depression or to help people cope with their symptoms. Some people with personality disorders have trouble coping with stressful events and may need support in a crisis. They may develop suicidal thoughts and behaviors and require emergency assistance. Rarely, hospitalization may be required in severe cases to prevent the risk of self-harm or suicide or for the treatment of other mental health conditions. 

Many people with a personality disorder recover over time. Psychological or medical treatment is often helpful but support is sometimes all that is needed. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a treatment specifically developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD). It uses individual and group therapy to help you learn skills to manage emotions. For example, dialectical behavior therapy is indicated for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, a disorder where suicidal thoughts and self-mutilation actions are common. During a DBT session, the therapist assures the patient that their behavior and actions are understandable and valid. By the end of the therapy, the patient should be able to change disruptive or unhealthy behavior.

Moreover, interpersonal therapy focuses mainly on how patients interact with family and friends. This therapy is often used on a one-on-one basis as a way of addressing and treating depression. It’s based on the idea that a person’s way of communicating with other affects their moods, feelings and improving communication skills might improve a person’s case of depression. In conclusion, with treatment and support many people with personality disorder are able to learn to manage their symptoms, develop positive and healthy relationships and create a meaningful and fulfilling life.

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