Practical Advice For Coping With A Personality Disorder Diagnosis
Receiving a personality disorder diagnosis is often stressful and confusing. Seeking professional treatment can be important for managing symptoms and creating a long-term treatment plan, but how can you manage the difficult feelings related to your diagnosis in the present? Let’s begin by looking at the process of receiving a personality disorder diagnosis, then we’ll share strategies for coping with related emotions that may arise.
How personality disorders are diagnosed
Diagnosing a personality disorder involves several steps. Mental health professionals often start by reviewing a person's symptoms and behaviors, typically asking about past and current experiences to form a complete picture. This process can help identify patterns and determine whether they fit personality disorder criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
A provider may also use certain diagnostic tools and questionnaires designed to measure specific traits and behaviors. Symptoms of personality disorders depend on the specific condition, but they generally include things like intense mood swings, impulsive actions, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Recognizing the existence of these behaviors over time is often key to making a diagnosis.
In addition to interviews and questionnaires, medical evaluations are sometimes necessary to rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Mental health experts may also consult with family members or close friends for additional insights into a person’s behaviors and habits. Gathering as much information as possible is important for making a well-informed diagnosis.
What is life like with a personality disorder?
Living with a personality disorder can be difficult for the individual and those around them. Individuals with a diagnosis of a condition in this category often experience intense emotions and negative thoughts that can affect everyday functioning, moods, and relationships. Everyday activities can become overwhelming, and those affected might struggle to go to work or school due to their emotional state and negative self-view.
Common challenges for someone with a personality disorder include:
- Frequently shifting perceptions of self-worth and identity
- Trouble maintaining stable relationships
- Difficulty coping with stress and other feelings
- Persistent negative thoughts about oneself
- Emotional instability, leading to frequent mood swings
- Episodes of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Physical health problems due to stress and mental strain
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.
Getting professional help for any mental health condition, including a personality disorder, can be important for improving quality of life, relationships, daily functioning, and overall well-being. That’s why the recommended course of action is usually to meet with a mental health professional about treatment options and next steps.
How to cope with a personality disorder diagnosis
After receiving a diagnosis of a personality disorder or another mental health condition, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. The following strategies may help as you process this new information.
Educate yourself
Books, websites, podcasts, videos, and other content from reputable sources can be helpful places to start. You might also consider taking a class or attending workshops. Education can help you feel less alone and empower you to make the appropriate decisions about your treatment and symptom management.
Seek professional help
Therapy is usually a key aspect of managing symptoms of a personality disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are commonly recommended approaches. Both focus on shifting negative thinking patterns and developing more positive behaviors. Medication may also be prescribed in some cases to manage specific symptoms. Regular consultations with your psychiatrist or psychologist can help ensure your treatment plan remains effective.
Join a support group
Support groups can offer a safe space to share experiences and receive support, as connecting with people who understand your experience can be comforting and empowering. Online forums and local peer support groups are potential options for finding help, and national organizations like Mental Health America offer resources as well.
Practice self-care
Self-care can be important for managing any mental health condition, since it may help in maintaining emotional balance and overall well-being. Regular exercise, balanced eating, and sufficient sleep often form the basis of these practices, which can promote physical and mental health. You might also engage in hobbies that bring you joy, spend time in nature, meditate, and journal as other ways to support your mental health.
Establish a routine
Structured, healthy daily routines may provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be important for mental health—particularly when adjusting to life with a mental health condition like a personality disorder. For example, you might create a schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, and social activities and encourages regular meal times and sleep patterns to help improve overall well-being and provide a sense of control.
Build a support network
A strong support network can greatly affect a person’s ability to manage a mental health diagnosis, and research suggests that social connectedness can also improve stress resilience. Having friends, family members, neighbors, and others you can turn to for emotional support, enjoyable distractions, and practical help can be paramount. Remember to set boundaries and communicate openly in order to promote healthy, nourishing connections.
Stay physically active
Physical activity may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common in those with personality disorders. Research suggests that exercise may be especially important for those with personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, with one study suggesting that it can help reduce emotion dysregulation and increase positive affect. Finding a form of physical activity that you enjoy and can engage in regularly is usually the most effective approach, whether it’s walking in the park, swimming, dancing, lifting weights, or another type of healthy movement.
Learn stress-management techniques
Managing stress is also important for coping with any mental health condition—particularly for personality disorders, since it’s common for those with these types of conditions to feel overwhelmed with stress and other emotions. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can be beneficial for this purpose.
Finding support for a mental health diagnosis
Coping with a new mental health diagnosis can be difficult to do on your own. In addition to leaning on friends and family and joining a support group, you’re also likely to benefit from meeting with a therapist. In addition to providing talk therapy treatment for your symptoms, they may also offer emotional support as you navigate the complicated emotions often associated with receiving a diagnosis. In addition, a licensed provider can help you learn strategies for managing stress and difficult feelings.
If you’re having trouble finding a provider in your area or would simply prefer to speak with someone about your diagnosis from the comfort of home, you might consider exploring online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with a suitable provider in a matter of days. You can then meet with them via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. Research suggests that online therapy can be a promising form of treatment for individuals with personality disorders in many cases.
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