1. Don't Leave Me Alone
People with borderline personality disorder have an intense fear of being abandoned. They will go to great lengths to avoid being left alone, such as wanting to be included in every trip or grilling people on when they will return and where they are going. This is a symptom that can be easy to recognize.
2. Everything is Black or White
Borderline personality disorder impairs your ability to see shades of gray. Other people are either completely good or completely evil in their point of view, which leads to intense love-hate relationships. A borderline personality can shift frequently between idealizing a person and hating them utterly as their view of the person changes from white to black.
3. Look out for Impulsive Behaviors
Behaving self-destructively or impulsively is an extremely recognizable symptom of borderline personality disorder. People who are borderline may suddenly go on a shopping or gambling spree, engage in some reckless driving or have frequent bouts of unprotected sex. Drug or alcohol abuse is also common. People with borderline personality disorder will need to have at least two impulsive-destructive behaviors, but recognizing even one may alert you that your family member has a problem.
4. Self-Worth is Low
Low self-esteem is not as easily recognized as the other signs of borderline personality disorder, but if you're close to someone, you may notice it. People with low self-worth will put themselves down and criticize themselves. They will also lack the self-confidence to take risks, and they will take rejection or criticism as an affirmation of their worthlessness.
5. Trying to Commit Suicide
People with borderline personality disorder may display suicidal behavior. If you notice one of your family members idealizing suicide or trying to commit suicide, he may be borderline. He needs mental help as soon as possible, and may need to be committed if he can't promise not to harm himself.
