The Quiet BPD Symptoms You Need to Know About

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a highly stigmatized mental health condition, often characterized by impulsive behavior, unstable moods, and extreme fear of abandonment. However, BPD also has another, lesser-known subtype: ‘quiet BPD.’ Unlike the classic BPD presentation, people with the ‘quiet’ subtype tend to internalize their symptoms, making them appear more passive and less disruptive to those around them. In this article, we will explore the quiet BPD symptoms you need to be aware of, to better understand this complex condition.

Fear of Abandonment

One of the most prominent symptoms of BPD, quiet or not, is an intense fear of abandonment. However, people with quiet BPD tend to experience this fear in more subtle ways, such as worrying about conflicts or disapproval in their relationships. They may become overly accommodating, or even become passive-aggressive, to avoid confrontations that could lead to rejection. This fear of abandonment can make it difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships.

Emotional Instability

People with quiet BPD often experience emotional instability, much like those with classic BPD. They may frequently vacillate between feeling happy, sad, anxious, or angry, seemingly without any warning. However, they may tend to suppress their emotions instead of letting them show externally. This suppression can lead to feelings of emptiness and disconnectedness from others.

Identity Disturbances

Another hallmark symptom of BPD is identity disturbance, or a fragmented sense of self, which can manifest as changes in values, goals, or sense of self. People with quiet BPD may also struggle to establish a sense of self; however, these disturbances may be more internalized. For example, they may feel like they don’t know who they are, or they may feel hollow or empty inside.

Perfectionism

People with quiet BPD often have high standards, particularly when it comes to themselves. They may have an intense fear of being inadequate or imperfect and may strive for perfection in every aspect of their lives. This perfectionism can lead to a sense of internal conflict, as they may feel like they can never measure up to their own expectations or others’ expectations of them.

Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts

Finally, people with quiet BPD may struggle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, much like those with more overt BPD symptoms. However, these tendencies may be less visible or occur in more hidden ways. For example, they may engage in cutting behaviors but hide the physical evidence or engage in more subtle forms of self-harm such as over-exercising.

In conclusion, while people with quiet BPD may not present as obviously as those with classic BPD symptoms, the quiet version of this disorder is equally debilitating. By gaining a better understanding of the quiet BPD symptoms discussed in this article, we can start to recognize the condition and help those who may be suffering silently. If you suspect that you or someone you know has BPD, seek professional help from a mental health professional. With effective treatment, those with BPD of any form can lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.