Borderline personality disorder, also known as BPD, is characterized by intense mood swings, inconsistent sense of self and instability in personal relationships. A person with BPD might veer from worshipful adoration for a loved one to suspicion and disdain, all within the space of a day or even hours. If you suffer from BPD, your condition presents a challenge to one of the most important relationships you'll ever have--your relationship with your children. According to psychotherapist Margaret Cochran in Psychology Today, you can overcome this challenge with diligence and patience.
Step 1
Take plenty of "time outs"--not just for your child, but for yourself. According to Cochran in Psychology Today, this is important for any parent, but especially for BPD sufferers, whose emotions tend to be strong and slower to subside. Give yourself time to calm down, and reconnect with your child once you're feeling soothed and less upset.
Step 2
Allow your child to see you overcoming adversity. According to Richard Moskovitz, author of "Lost In The Mirror: An Inside Look at Borderline Personality Disorder," on the Borderline Personality Disorder Today website, your child can benefit from seeing you struggling with personal problems and overcoming them. Provided that you are respectful and loving toward your child in the process, you can teach your child a valuable lesson about strength, persistence and transcending obstacles.
Step 3
Cultivate a network of reliable, caring "co-parents" you can trust with your child when you need to step away. According to Moskovitz, a key aspect of parenting as a BPD sufferer involves knowing when to protect your child by removing yourself from the equation. Just as you should be with your child when you feel capable and strong, you should also learn to recognize when your emotional state is not in your child's best interest. When needed, make the loving choice of trusting your support network with your child.
Tips and Warnings
- Maintain your recommended course of therapy and medications, and seek parenting resources. Margaret Cochran in Psychology Today recommends working on your skills in therapy.
