What is “Quiet” BPD or High-Functioning BPD?
High-functioning borderline personality disorder involves a more internally focused expression of the symptoms, which are often less observable than in other types of borderline personality disorder. People with quiet borderline personality disorder tend to experience intense emotions, self-judgement and depression, but the expression of these symptoms is focused towards oneself.
This non-official subtype of borderline personality disorder describes people whose symptoms are often well-managed. However, they still involve a pervasive pattern of impulsivity and instability when building interpersonal relationships as well as negative self-image. The symptoms are often less observable, and individuals are more likely to internalise. With other forms of borderline personality disorder, a person will often experience intense negative emotions that are displayed outwardly.
Quiet BPD Symptoms
Quiet BPD is often more challenging to identify since the symptoms are often not apparent to the outside world. For example, a person with characteristic BPD might show signs of self-destructive behaviours, depression or anxiety, but a person with quiet BPD can become withdrawn or moody.
Some of the most common symptoms of quiet BPD include:
- Self-isolation
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Self-destructive behavior
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Intense mood swings
- Poor self-image
- Intense fear of rejection
- People pleasing
- Fear of being alone
- Self-sabotage
- Derealisation
- Difficulty talking about your feelings
Causes of High-Functioning BPD
The causes of high-functioning BPD are similar to the causes of BPD. Some of the most common causes of high-functioning BPD include:
- Experiencing neglect, abuse, abandonment or trauma during childhood
- Genetic factors
- Dysfunctional family relationships
- History of abandonment and rejection
The definitive cause of BPD remains unknown, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing borderline personality disorder, such as:
- Brain development in areas of the brain related to regulating mood and decision-making
- Differences in serotonin levels, which are associated with mood regulation
- Traumatic childhood experiences that can increase someone’s risk of developing BPD due to neglect, abuse or stress
Challenges and Impacts of High-Functioning BPD
High-functioning BPD is a complex mental health condition that involves different psychological defence mechanisms like splitting, dissociation and experiential avoidance. Some people face challenges when they need to trust others and develop relationships with others.
High-functioning BPD can impact individuals and their loved ones as it is a challenge that causes dissatisfaction with oneself and feelings of constant emptiness. People with quiet BPD may experience negative thoughts, regrets about expressing their feelings as well as fear of rejection. Additionally, people with quiet BPD may oscillate between focusing on one person around them and feeling the constant need for validation and then pushing them away to avoid criticism.
This can lead to frequent mood changes and intense emotions like going from extreme excitement and deep sadness. The outward manifestation doesn’t reflect these signs since a person with quiet BPD can suddenly feel angry and appear tired to people around them. High-functioning BPD could cause people to set high expectations, and when they don’t meet these expectations or receive constructive criticism, they may develop feelings of guilt and low self-esteem.
Silent Struggles
Another core coping mechanism for people with quiet BPD is refusing to internalise love, support and kindness from others. People with BPD may dismiss or change the subject when receiving compliments.
Many with quiet BPD, and especially those who experienced childhood trauma, feel the need to hide their emotions and feelings because they use it as a coping mechanism from childhood. Also, it’s common for people with quiet BPD to experience the inability to show emotions or describe how they feel. Even if they feel overwhelmed with emotion, they may find it challenging to identify what those feelings are and how to communicate them.
Impact on Relationships
People with quiet BPD may sometimes find it challenging to form and maintain relationships because of the fear of abandonment, and the internal emotional challenges can make it difficult to connect and form relationships with others on a deeper level.
People with quiet BPD also often feel afraid to get closer to someone on an emotional level as they believe that this person will eventually leave them. This belief makes it difficult for people with quiet BPD to maintain genuine connections with others.
Coping Strategies and Self-Care
Taking an insightful and empathetic approach to mental health is one of the first and most important steps towards reaching the full potential while dealing with quiet borderline personality disorder. Sharing emotional struggles is necessary, especially for people who tend to self-harm and form a strong negative self-image. Reaching out to loved ones, relatives, or friends is another beneficial move when times become overwhelming.
Taking care of people’s mental and physical well-being is an essential part of self-care for everyone dealing with internalised emotions and stress; therefore, prioritising healthy habits like getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activities, and maintaining a healthy diet is essential. Finally, attending regular appointments and talking to therapists is another vital part of overcoming all of the challenging aspects of high-functioning BPD.
Treatment Options
Multiple treatment options for quiet BPD can help improve and manage the symptoms.
For example, dialectical behavior therapy is one of the preferred options for people with high-functioning BPD, which entails a method that offers individuals a comprehensive treatment approach as well as coaching sessions. This method also includes focusing on skill building and group therapy that help improve people’s emotional regulation and coping with stress and anxiety.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, is also known to treat the symptoms of BPD. Practising mindfulness can also be beneficial, as it increases people’s awareness of the moment and allows them to separate from other overwhelming emotions. This coping mechanism can help people build an identity separate from overwhelming internalised emotions and avoid maintaining a negative perspective related to these emotions.
Whether you seek support for yourself or a loved one who is diagnosed with quiet borderline personality disorder, finding proactive care and humanised support is essential, and that is precisely how our team at Unique Community Services delivers support.
Person-Centred Care Approach
The increased awareness and focus on respecting human rights in health and social care led to the development and growth of the person-centred approach. Placing the person at the heart of care helps create an inclusive care plan for people who are diagnosed with quiet borderline personality disorder and people with other mental health conditions as well.
The person-centred approach is evidence-based, showing how placing the person at the core of everything and focusing on their strengths and unique abilities can deliver high-quality care. This approach has been known to provide several positive health outcomes as it helps to see the person for who they are and not focus on their condition and symptoms alone.
A person-centred approach prioritises the physical and emotional well-being of individuals, leading to better health outcomes and positive impacts.
Unique Community Services Supports Individuals with BPD
At Unique Community Services, we provide individuals with borderline personality disorder compassionate support and care. We deliver person-centred care to people with BPD in the comfort of their own homes while maintaining regular and supportive contact with their loved ones.
Our nurse-led care focuses on creating a safe space for everyone and protecting people’s privacy and dignity as the core principles of human rights. We prioritise people’s independence and well-being, so we involve the people we care for in decision-making.
We offer CQC-regulated care for people with BPD across the UK with offices in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds.
Contact us today to receive a personalised care plan.
