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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is sometimes described as a diagnostic category marked by such characteristics as fluctuating intense feelings, grave impulsiveness, and precarious personal problems. But it has another variant that is worth mentioning, as there is a less well-known subdued type of BPD, often referred to as “quiet” or “discouraged” borderline personality disorder.
This variety of BPD has a kind of inward orientation for its symptoms, which will often make it almost impossible to detect and prone to prejudiced mislabels and mistaken evaluations.
What Is Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder?
Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder is a commonly overlooked subtype of BPD. Partial symptoms of BDP manifest inwardly and are not explosively visible as much as other aspects. Discouraged BPD is not obvious. A person with it will not openly express their needs boldly or directly. Instead, it is influenced by more profound internal factors. Typically, individuals with this variant tend to withhold what could have caused their emotions, causing an aspect of passivity or dependence.
This subtype closely resembles quiet borderline personality disorder, as both types involve internalized behaviors that make them more challenging to diagnose. People with discouraged BPD might display the following symptoms:
- Self-Blame. They often internalize problems, blaming themselves for conflicts or perceived failures, even when they are not at fault.
- Submissive Behavior. The need to cater to others at the expense of their self, which often means sacrificing one’s well-being to avoid rejection or criticism.
- Avoidant Personality Patterns. They may withdraw from social interactions or any situation that would cause them to feel embarrassment or outside critique.
- Internalized Emotional Distress. Emotions are bottled up inside, as there are very few outlets anywhere, making the individual very private and emotionally disconnected.
The external symptoms of people with BPD do not usually include gloom and doom. Quite the opposite, how they keep their illness to themselves makes it difficult for others to understand the depths of their struggles.
Who Is More Likely to Have Discouraged BPD?
Key characteristics of those with discouraged BPD include:
| Dependency on Others | They often have an intense and overpowering need to be cared for or accepted by others, which can lead to problematic positioning of their own needs. |
| Fear of Rejection | Even the mildest shreds of evidence of disapproval from anyone can activate intense unworthiness and anxiety. |
Emotional Dysregulation | As with all forms of BPD, emotional regulation is challenging. However, in discouraged BPD, emotions are often kept internal, which can contribute to depression, anxiety, or a persistent sense of hopelessness. |
High-Functioning Appearance | Despite enormous emotional distress, people with discouraged BPD continue to closely monitor their jobs and relationships so that even they do not acknowledge the gravity of their problems. |
This is the subtype of people more prone to experiencing childhood trauma or having been raised in emotionally invalidating surroundings. Early childhood experiences contribute to the development of avoidance and emotional suppression toward being permissible by others.
Signs of Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder
Symptoms of discouraged BPD are similar to some symptoms of other borderline personality disorder types. Recognizing them becomes critical for accurately diagnosing and treating them. Symptoms can manifest in the following ways:
Submissive Behavior.
Individuals with discouraged BPD may prioritize the needs of others, often neglecting their well-being. This behavior is driven by the fear of conflict or rejection, leading them to suppress their desires in favor of keeping the peace.
Self-Blame
A hallmark of discouraged BPD is the tendency to take responsibility for problems in relationships, even when they are not at fault. This can lead to low self-esteem and a constant sense of guilt.
Withdrawal and Isolation
To avoid potential criticism or perceived judgment, those with discouraged BPD may withdraw from social interactions. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and emotional distress.
Emotional Dysregulation
Intense emotions such as sadness, guilt, or shame are often felt deeply but kept private. This internalization of emotions can lead to an overwhelming sense of isolation and despair.
Difficulty Expressing Anger
Individuals with discouraged BPD may struggle to express anger outwardly. Instead, they often internalize their frustration, leading to self-destructive thoughts or behaviors.
High-Functioning Tendencies
Despite internal emotional struggles, individuals with discouraged BPD may appear successful in their personal and professional lives. This can make their emotional pain harder for others to detect.
Understanding these signs is essential in distinguishing discouraged BPD from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which may present similarly. Accurate diagnosis is key to providing the appropriate treatment and support.
Causes and Correlations
A combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors influences the development of discouraged BPD. While the exact causes vary, certain experiences and traits are commonly associated with this subtype.
Contributing Factors
| Genetics | A family history of mental health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing BPD. |
| Childhood Trauma | Experiences of neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving are strongly linked to all BPD subtypes, including discouraged BPD. |
| Invalidating Environments | Growing up in an environment where emotions are dismissed or criticized can contribute to developing dependent personality traits and avoidant personality patterns. |
Correlated Conditions
- Anxiety Disorders. The fear of rejection or criticism often overlaps with generalized anxiety or social anxiety.
- Depression. The internalized nature of symptoms can lead to persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness.
- High-Functioning BPD. Individuals may appear outwardly successful while battling inner turmoil, making their condition less visible to others.
Difficulty With Diagnosis
Diagnosing discouraged BPD can be challenging due to its subtle and inward-focused presentation. Unlike other forms of BPD, the symptoms do not typically draw attention, which can result in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Why Is Diagnosis Difficult?
- Overlap With Other Disorders. Symptoms of discouraged BPD, such as withdrawal and self-blame, can mimic depression or anxiety.
- High-Functioning Appearance. Many individuals excel in professional or social roles, making their struggles less apparent.
- Stigma Around BPD. Negative stereotypes about BPD may discourage individuals from seeking help, especially if they’re unsure whether their symptoms align with common perceptions of the disorder.
Accurate diagnosis requires a nuanced understanding of BPD subtypes and a compassionate approach from mental health professionals.
Treatment
Effective treatment for discouraged BPD focuses on addressing both the emotional dysregulation and the underlying patterns of self-blame and submissiveness. Therapy, medication, and self-care can all play vital roles in recovery.
Therapeutic Approaches
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is particularly effective in managing emotional dysregulation and teaching healthier coping mechanisms. It helps individuals develop skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT addresses inward-directed BPD symptoms by challenging negative thought patterns and building self-esteem.
Group Therapy
Peer support groups can help individuals feel less isolated and provide opportunities to practice healthier relationship dynamics.
Medication
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to manage co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Self-Care Strategies
Mindfulness Practices
Techniques like meditation or journaling can help individuals manage intense emotions.
Building Support Networks
Encouraging relationships with supportive and understanding individuals is crucial for recovery.
Call to Action:
If you or someone you know may be struggling with discouraged BPD, understanding and addressing the condition is the first step toward healing. Seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional to explore therapy options tailored to your needs.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Support and effective treatment are available to help you lead a fulfilling life. Reach out today to learn more about managing inward-directed BPD symptoms and finding a path to recovery.
FAQs
- What is discouraged borderline personality disorder?
Discouraged BPD is a subtype of borderline personality disorder characterized by inward-directed symptoms such as self-blame, withdrawal, and submissive behavior. Unlike the dramatic outbursts often associated with BPD, individuals with this subtype tend to suppress their emotions and may appear “high-functioning.”
- How is discouraged BPD different from other BPD subtypes?
While traditional BPD may involve externalized behaviors like intense anger or impulsivity, discouraged BPD manifests as internalized distress. Individuals with this subtype often experience emotional turmoil privately, focusing on pleasing others and avoiding conflict.
- What causes discouraged BPD?
Discouraged BPD can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, childhood trauma, and growing up in an invalidating environment. Experiences such as neglect, abuse, or criticism of emotional expressions may contribute to its development.
- Can discourage BPD be misdiagnosed?
Yes, the subtle and inward-focused nature of discouraged BPD often leads to misdiagnosis. Its symptoms, such as withdrawal and self-blame, can resemble depression, anxiety, or avoidant personality disorder, making an accurate diagnosis more challenging.
- What are the common signs of discouraged BPD?
Some common signs include:
- Submissive behavior and fear of rejection.
- Persistent self-blame for conflicts or perceived failures.
- Avoid social interactions to prevent criticism.
- Internalized emotions lead to feelings of worthlessness.
- A high-functioning appearance that hides inner struggles.
