Covert Borderline Personality Disorder: Unmasking the Hidden Face of BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and patterns of unstable relationships. While these symptoms are well-known and often associated with the disorder, a less visible variant exists – Covert Borderline Personality Disorder. This article aims to uncover the nature of covert BPD, its symptoms, and implications for treatment.

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

Before we delve into the specifics of covert BPD, it is crucial to understand Borderline Personality Disorder. A person with BPD often grapples with self-image issues, feelings of emptiness, and fears of abandonment. Intense emotional reactions, impulsive behaviors, and intense yet unstable relationships mark BPD.

Covert Borderline Personality Disorder: The Hidden Side

Covert vs. Overt BPD

While the characteristics above typically define overt BPD, covert BPD presents differently. Covert, or quiet BPD, is less noticeable as individuals with this type often internalize their struggles instead of externalizing them. Hence, they are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Key Characteristics of Covert BPD

Individuals with covert BPD exhibit many of the same emotional responses as those with classic BPD but internalize them, leading to self-destructive behaviors. These may include self-blame, self-isolation, and inward-directed anger, instead of lashing out at others.

Identifying Covert BPD: Symptoms to Look Out For

Since people with covert BPD tend to keep their feelings hidden, it can be challenging to identify the disorder. Some signs may include:

• Extreme self-criticism: They may constantly blame themselves for issues in their relationships or other areas of their life.
• Suppressing feelings: They might hide their feelings to avoid conflict or out of fear of abandonment.
• Social withdrawal: They often isolate themselves from friends and family, especially when feeling emotional or struggling with fear of rejection.

Treatment Options for Covert BPD

Like overt BPD, covert BPD can be treated effectively with therapy and, in some cases, medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) are some therapies that have proven successful in managing BPD.

Unmasking Covert BPD: The Road to Understanding

Understanding covert BPD is essential for the well-being of those suffering from it. Even though it may not be as overtly visible as the classic form of BPD, the internal emotional struggle is equally real and intense. Encouraging dialogue about such less-understood mental health conditions can help reduce stigma, enhance understanding, and promote the mental well-being of individuals affected.

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Grouport Offers BPD Group Support Online & DBT Skills Groups Online

Grouport Therapy offers online Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group sessions to support individuals coping with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This therapy approach utilizes mindfulness and acceptance to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation, helping to reduce destructive behaviors and strengthen interpersonal connections. Our virtual group sessions instruct members on incorporating various psychotherapy techniques, such as DBT, into their everyday lives, enabling them to engage with others and express themselves more effectively. You can learn more about the structure of our DBT Skills groups here.

Our qualified therapist conducts weekly group meetings remotely, allowing members to participate from the comfort of their own homes. As reported by participants, 70% witnessed significant progress within 8 weeks.

You don't need to confront these obstacles by yourself. Enroll in one of our groups today to embark on a path toward substantial, enduring transformation and renewed optimism. Become part of our community and collaborate towards a more promising future.

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We also have groups for a variety of other topics including anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, and trauma and PTSD, among many others. You can explore a wide range of group topics and options here. Sign up for one of our groups today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change and learn to replace the behaviors and emotions that hinder your daily life and relationships.