STRUGGLES

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be very disrupting to the lives of those affected by it and their families and loved ones. It is characterized by its intense emotional disturbance, mood swings, and instability, distortion in cognition, maladaptive behaviours and communication issues. Noticeably, people struggling with BPD are people experiencing difficulties with managing their emotions. Out of the nine diagnostic criteria, five are required for official diagnosis. Thus, there are over 151 ways in which BPD manifests, and they range from overregulating one’s emotions and displaying very limited range of emotion to underregulating the emotions and struggling to control them. People with BPD also often experience anxiety and depression, feelings of being misunderstood, fear of loneliness and abandonment, and suicidal thoughts. Approximately 2 percent (2%) of the population experiencing the symptoms of BPD. At times, it can feel like there is no hope. However, proper diagnosis and treatment, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, can learn to decrease in the intensity of the symptoms to manageable levels so they no longer disrupt life and even begin building life worth living. By its definition, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is considered a mental illness marked by moody episodes, temporary behavioral shifts and complex interpersonal situations. Most often, BPD commences at a relatively young adult stage in life. Several traits accompany someone suffering from this disease which includes spontaneous decision-making, nervousness about sudden separation, self-evaluation doubts, and internal perturbations that are hard to deal rationally. Additionally, because dealing with challenges and coping might be difficult in individuals dealing with BPD levels of anxiety heighten during the verge of goal achievement. Despite these issues, the most crucial consideration is that those affected by BPD are not flawed humans. The course of treatment could involve Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which has proven to be revolutionary in managing this kind of mental illness, allowing positive lifestyle adjustments.

Development of BPD

There are a few BPD theories. Genetics. BPD is approximately five times more common among people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder compared to those who do not. Brain function. Neuroimaging has revealed that the emotional regulation system may be different in people struggling with BPD. The communication between executive functioning decision-making/judgment part and impulse control part of the brain with does not function optimally for people struggling with BPD. genetic factors such as brain chemistry and the ability of the brain to regulate emotions has been marked as a cause for development of BPD. Biosocial Theory. Both environment and biology play a part in its development. Environmental factors, such as a childhood fraught with instability and abuse or emotional trauma, can trigger symptoms of BPD.

Treatment For BPD

Psychotherapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was created specifically for the treatment BPD. It provides clients with skill coaching to help them manage emotions and function optimally.

Other therapies used in the treatment of BPD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices.

Medication
Therapy For Caregivers and Family Members

Families and caregivers of people struggling with BPD may also benefit from support and treatment. Having a relative or loved one with the disorder can be stressful, and family members or caregivers may unintentionally act in ways that can worsen their loved one’s symptoms. Some BPD treatments include family members, caregivers, or loved ones in treatment sessions.

Comorbidity
Many people struggling with BPD also struggles with co-occurring disorders. Successful BPD treatment also includes the treatment any co-existing disorders as well. The comorbid disorders include:

· Substance Abuse
· Anxiety Disorders
· Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Bipolar Disorder
· Depression
· Eating Disorders (notably bulimia nervosa)

Prognosis
Often, people diagnosed with BPD exhibit symptoms at younger age that are sometimes dismissed. Later in life these symptoms may become severe and challenging and interfere with regular daily functioning.

With a proper diagnosis and individualized, dedicated treatment, BPD becomes treatable disorder. The rate of symptom remission is high for those following their treatment plans years after the commencement of treatment.

The formation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), can be traced back to instances where a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying event or chronically experiences traumatic episodes over which they had little or no control.

PTSD is marked by intrusive memories that often come in the form of flashbacks, chronic avoidance of anything that might serve as a reminder, similar trigger to your trauma; severe impulsive behaviour, emotions that even heighten vulnerability severely and changes in thinking patterns, mood swings, alongside hyperarousal over benign stimuli.

C-PTSD occurs when there is frequent exposure to traumatic events such as childhood abuse resulting in issues related to cognitive distortion regarding sense of self, others; Fragmentation/disruption on memory processing/recall, bodily sensations & emotional dysregulation, specifically shame, guilt, feeling detached, negative self-concept, opinions towards others & persistent sense hopelessness, stockiness, trapped imprints in mind & body.

Improvement can result from therapeutic approaches using medication alone or in combination with therapies like SE, EMDR, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT; talk therapy/Somatic Trauma Therapy like IFS (Yoga & Meditation), which emphasises on integrating split parts, states inside them; cultivating awareness & mindfulness, resolving inner conflicts & thus, emerging way healed than before. The road ahead may seem difficult yet, with appropriate support and treatment many lead quality lives despite surviving trauma.

Looking for Anxiety Therapy and Support is very important and not often an easy decision to make. Anxiety is a response that is both natural and prevalent when we sense threats or challenging situations near. Yet when this response spirals upwards into something overwhelming and recurring to the degree that daily functioning is hindered then it’s labeled as an “anxiety disorder”. It’s symptoms relentlessly cause those affected to feel excessive apprehension and irrational fears towards standard events causing emotional distress daily. Moreover, physical indicators manifest themselves including: heart palpitations; profusive sweating; trembling; exhaustion; lack of concentration among many others which should not be neglected.

Types of anxieties include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Phobias encompassing particular objects or scenarios (such as Social Anxiety Disorder), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Panic Disorders characterized by sudden severe unease resulting in debilitating nervousness amongst other things Lastly Separation Anxiety which expresses itself focusing on separation from loved ones felt deeply by children but also adults alike. Judicious treatment of these different forms of anxieties may involve therapeutic interventions such as Somatic Experiencing, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy coupled with medications like those prescribed by a trained practitioner alongside crucial lifestyle alterations to adequately alleviate symptoms experienced.

At Trickett Psychotherapy and Trickett Counselling we offer anxiety therapy and support for everyone in need. Engaging in anxiety therapy and seeking support offers a myriad of benefits. Let’s delve into some of these advantages:

Enhanced Understanding: One of the primary goals of therapy is to provide insights into the underlying causes and triggers of anxiety. Understanding these factors can empower you to approach situations with a new perspective.

Coping Skills: Therapy equips individuals with effective coping mechanisms. Whether it’s through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness practices, or other modalities, these skills can help you navigate through anxiety-provoking situations.
Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment: Therapists offer a confidential space where feelings and concerns can be openly expressed. This environment facilitates healing and promotes genuine self-reflection.

Reduction in Symptoms: Over time, therapy can lead to a decrease in both the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms. This can improve overall quality of life.

Improved Relationships: Anxiety can strain personal relationships. Therapy can offer tools and strategies to communicate more effectively with loved ones, leading to stronger, healthier bonds.
Personal Growth: Through the therapeutic journey, many individuals discover more about themselves, leading to personal growth and increased self-esteem.

Biochemical Benefits: Engaging in therapy can help regulate neurotransmitters and hormones that play a role in anxiety. This can promote a more balanced mood and decrease anxiety symptoms.

Support and Validation: Group therapy and support groups offer the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. This can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Prevention: By addressing anxiety early and proactively, therapy can prevent the development or exacerbation of related issues such as depression, substance abuse, or chronic stress.

Holistic Health Improvement: Mental well-being is deeply intertwined with physical health. Managing anxiety can lead to improved sleep, better immune function, and a reduction in physical ailments exacerbated by stress.

Enhanced Life Satisfaction: Overcoming or managing anxiety can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching life. Activities or situations that were previously avoided due to anxiety can be approached with increased confidence and enjoyment.

Empowerment: The journey through therapy instills a sense of control over one’s life. Recognizing that you have the tools and resources to manage anxiety can be immensely empowering.

A major depressive disorder or clinical depression is quite common among mental health disorders. It manifests as a persistent feeling of sadness causing an overall decline in the previously enjoyed activities along with diminished quality of life.

Depression influences how one thinks feels, behaves, and may result in various emotional and physical issues such as chronic feelings of melancholy, lack of attitude towards life itself, loss of energy levels accompanied by disturbed sleep patterns etc. Additionally, persistent difficulty concentrating on daily tasks combined with recurrent thoughts about suicide only further reiterate this illness’ significance.

In fact, it is only when one exhibits these signs for most part-of-multiple days each week (while carrying on for nearly two weeks), the issue gets diagnosed as clinical depression.

Importantly, It needs to be well-understood that contracting depression isn’t equivalent to any weakness- neither should it mirror any negligent deficiency; It’s simply an authentic mental health condition needing utmost attention, support & treatment. More often than not, treatment modalities include some psychotherapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), skills coaching, or interpersonal therapy affirming that medication (popularly referred to as anti-depressants)whilst under consultation with adequate medical personnel may not be entirely off-the-card options-In many instances, a blended approach incorporating both has fared rather successfully In managing depressive episodes. With suitable management tactics applied, in all likelihood those battling resultant symptoms could witness improvements over time leading to eventual recovery soon after.

Childhood trauma is a deeply distressing series of circumstances that can severely impact an individual’s mental health long after the event(s) occurred. These events could be physical abuse, neglect, sexual or emotional harm inflicted during childhood years.

Also included are challenges like witnessing violence happen or going through significant loss like a parent’s death or serious illness. These kinds of experiences have implications for brain development leading to cognitive deficits that manifest as issues regulating emotions appropriately with increased impulsivity levels; difficulty concentrating with memory retention problems with flashbacks triggered by reminders similarly associated with nightmares due to heightened anxiety levels resulting from constant vigilance feelings generated by unresolved past traumas. Undealt with childhood traumas only increase susceptibility to many mental health conditions such as substance abuse disorders among others in adulthood.

Thankfully though there are treatment options available such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Trauma focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT) and Eye Movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) which give individuals the chance to recover while leading healthy lives again without the trauma associated impairing their quality of life ever again.

Bereavement signifies deep mourning from losing a significant person which understandably triggers unresolved emotions encompassing guilt, anger, sadness along with sorrowful feelings. The process individuals go through during mourning varies among people as it’s impacted by past experiences, cultural practices and even their personal beliefs. Common physical symptoms include weight changes, fatigue and nausea, along with disbelief or fear that eventually deters someone from carrying out regular daily tasks for a more extended period overly. Such elongated grief conditions are problematic and may lead to diagnosed complicated or prolonged grief disorders which then require suitable therapeutic interventions like psychotherapy or counseling.

SE, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy together with medication administration are some of the approaches used to manage symptoms that accompany these types of grief. Notwithstanding this fact, healing from loss hinges on managing emotions and coping mechanisms while also receiving the right support.

Suffering from chronic pain is daunting given the persistence of this complex condition that lasts 12 weeks or more despite healing after an original injury or illness. While the occurrence site may vary throughout the body producing mild to severe sensations lasting either continuously or intermittently; it can be distinct from typical acute pain which indicates possible damage as a warning sign.

Unfortunately, when left untreated, chronic pain escalates over time reducing daily activity levels and significantly decreasing mobility thereby lowering quality of life indices appreciably by impacting mental health parameters such as fatigue levels, sleep patterns amongst others causing depression and anxiety.

Multifaceted treatments including physical therapy interventions synchronized with medication management support help patients recover their strength while dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and mindfulness approaches offer psychological support aimed at coping effectively with difficult emotions associated with suffering with chronic pain. Trickett Counselling & Psychotherapy offers the therapy you need. Talk with our Psychotherapist today. Keep yourself informed about mental health topics. It is never too early to start your healing process or prevention treatment. Book today.

Changes in life that disrupt the established status quo are termed life transitions which necessitate adaptation from affected individuals regardless of whether they are expected examples like graduation from school into university or marriage or unexpected ones such as loss due to death at work, sudden illness among others.

As people encounter unfamiliar settings accompanied by subsequent changes in roles along with identity aspirations whilst making necessary modifications or adjustments to emotions associated with anxiety crises usually arise. Amid each transitional stage are various unique challenges requiring individuals to develop new skills essential for their transition.

Despite the stress associated with these transitions, periods of self-reflection aimed at bolstering personal growth and efficacy in adjusting are innate.

Support during this period which is provided by professionals like counseling or psychotherapy equips those involved with effective coping mechanisms necessitated during change management.

The terms “separation” and “divorce” refer specifically to terminating marital relationships opting for periods where partners interdependently decide to live apart before legalizing the ensuing divorce. This legal process can be a harrowing experience marked by an expected susceptibility to heightened emotional responses, such as grief, anger, confusion, fear, and sometimes relief.

Furthermore, navigating various legal and logistical issues, such as division of assets, child custody and the obligatory adjustment to life as a single individual is unavoidable. Separation and Divorce generally has far- reaching effects which impact children (0-18), extended family members and shared social circles. Research shows this exercise may increase the occurrence of specific mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Therefore, seeking support from therapists who provide safe spaces for reflection while offering practical coping strategies is crucial for individuals looking for healing and recovery.