ᯓ★ tips for caregiving for littles with bpd . ݁₊ ⊹ . 🪐
note: I am not a professional by any means, just someone who wants to offer tips and support, I have undiagnosed bpd myself, and I know that can make me difficult to care for. These tips are to help new and old caregivers properly address behaviors and de-escalate situations. This was made with positive intent. And if you demonize "scary" disorders, DNI.
╰┈➤ the biggest and yet most unpracticed step of caregiving for people who have BPD is that you should educate yourself about the disorder, its symptoms, and behaviors. It isn't their job to teach you. By doing this, you will be able to understand where your little is coming from when experiencing triggers.
╰┈➤ bpd can be trigger based. Understanding that certain situations, words, and people can trigger emotional outbursts is important. Using that knowledge, you can then limit your littles exposure to such triggers as much as possible.
╰┈➤ it is absolutely nessecary to understand "splitting." Splitting is a medical term defined as: *a mental defense mechanism that involves viewing people, situations, or oneself as either all good or all bad.* It's important to know that these shifts of emotional change are not always personal and can be involuntary.
╰┈➤ communication like anything is very important. Remember to listen to your littles feelings without trying to "correct" their thought process and focus on how they're feeling, not just what they're saying.
╰┈➤ even if you don't agree with their behavior in moments of vulnerability, acknowledge that you understand and respect their feelings. Make sure to let them know you recognize they're hurting and are there for them.
╰┈➤ it's always nessecary to set boundaries for them, aswell as yourself. When you have a regressor who isn't entirely themselves in the moment. You should be clear and consistent to keep yourselves both safe and healthy.
╰┈➤ know that you aren't less of a caregiver for feeling emotionally drained while caregiving for someone with BPD. Don't be afraid to reach out for support or therapy to manage your own well-being.
╰┈➤ if your little is upset, do not try and make them regress or become big, from personal experience, not only is it very stressful, it is hurtful to think someone is trying to get you into a headspace. Instead, offer smaller things like to color or watch their favorite TV show. If they don't want to, then don't press.
╰┈➤ never judge or criticize, bpd is a disorder developed from an inability to heal in an unstable relationship, environment, etc. Their behavior is a symptom of this condition and does not reflect who they are as a character.
╰┈➤ make sure to consider how harm can have a role in bpd. If your little threatens to harm themselves or others, treat that situation delicately. Never be afraid to seek professional help.
╰┈➤ as you move through your journey of caregiver and little, celebrate positive changes in behavior, and any progress they make in their recovery.
╰┈➤ offer reassurance often if possible, many people with bpd have attatchement issues, and this reassurance can be extremely helpful and important.
National Institute of Mental Health
Families for Borderline Personality Disorder Research
