Land of OZ

Support for People Affected by BPD

Recognizing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to traumatic events or relationships. Understanding PTSD is crucial for those who have been in relationships with individuals with BPD.

Common Symptoms

Re-experiencing

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Physical reactions to memories

Avoidance

  • Avoiding specific places
  • Avoiding thoughts or feelings
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Emotional numbness

Emotional Changes

Hyperarousal

  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling tense or on edge
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Angry outbursts

Negative Changes

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt or shame
  • Difficulty trusting others

PTSD in Relationships with BPD

Being in a relationship with someone who has BPD can be traumatic due to:

  • Emotional volatility and abuse
  • Walking on eggshells
  • Gaslighting and manipulation
  • Fear and hypervigilance
  • Loss of self-identity
  • Isolation from support systems

Recovery Steps

Professional Help

  • Trauma-focused therapy
  • EMDR therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Medication when needed

Self-Help Strategies

  • Mindfulness practices
  • Grounding techniques
  • Support groups
  • Journaling

Physical Recovery

  • • Regular exercise
  • • Healthy sleep habits
  • • Balanced nutrition
  • • Stress management

Emotional Recovery

  • • Process feelings
  • • Build self-trust
  • • Set boundaries
  • • Practice self-compassion

Social Recovery

  • • Rebuild connections
  • • Join support groups
  • • Share experiences
  • • Seek understanding

Grounding Techniques

5-4-3-2-1 Exercise

  • 5 things you can see
  • 4 things you can touch
  • 3 things you can hear
  • 2 things you can smell
  • 1 thing you can taste

Body Scan

Progressive relaxation from head to toe

Deep Breathing

4-7-8 breathing technique

Crisis Support

If you're experiencing a crisis:

  • • PTSD Crisis Line: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
  • • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to XXXXX
  • • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-XXX-XXXX