Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsessive Behavior: A Common Phenomenon
People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often display obsessive behavior, especially when introduced to new things. This article explores the reasons behind such behavior, highlighting the challenges and potential triggers, while also discussing healthier ways to manage interests and hobbies.
Individuals with BPD can exhibit an intense focus on new things they previously showed no interest in. This sudden obsession can be perplexing and alarming for both the person experiencing it and those around them. The reasons for this behavior are complex and multifaceted. Obsessions related to harmful activities, such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or engaging in criminal behavior, are common among those with BPD. However, becoming obsessed with healthy pursuits is a far better option for managing BPD.
The Impact of Obsession: A Double-Edged Sword
Obsessive behavior in individuals with BPD can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring about a desired level of purpose, determination, and joy. These feelings can temporarily mask deeper underlying issues. However, such behavior often serves as a distraction from necessary therapeutic work and can exacerbate the condition over time.
The human brain is particularly susceptible to addictions, and these can manifest in various forms. Taking drugs and consuming alcohol affect multiple areas of the brain, including the brain stem, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. Hence, it's crucial to choose healthy forms of addiction over harmful ones.
Case Study: Crystal Collecting and the Cycle of Obsession
Rhys, a BPD sufferer, vividly describes his obsessive collecting of crystals. He attributes this behavior to a desire to re-experience the joy of receiving a gift repeatedly. Rhys' story is a prime example of how individuals with BPD may become fixated on new interests, leading to an overwhelming compulsion to collect or engage in these activities.
"I go bonkers when I find something new. It's like a drug. My house is full of freaking crystals. I know about rocks because I liked them and studied them as a kid. So I can tell you about all of them. But people think I'm into crystal healing and stuff. Nope, just a different kind of crazy!!! I do this with everything that interests me though. I have to specifically refrain from buying stuff like one would for shopping addiction. Because that's what it becomes."
Rhys' experience illustrates the all-or-nothing thinking patterns characteristic of BPD, where individuals can rapidly become consumed by a new interest before quickly losing it when it fails to meet their expectations. This cycle is a hallmark of BPD and can lead to a constant search for the next new thing to obsess over.
The Role of Splitting in Obsessive Behavior
Another psychological phenomenon that often contributes to obsessive behavior in individuals with BPD is splitting. This involves viewing people, activities, or situations as either entirely good or entirely bad, with no middle ground. For instance, when Rhys becomes engrossed in collecting crystals, he sees a clear distinction between the passion to collect and the perceived flaws that arise when his interest wanes.
"A classic marker of BPD is black-and-white or all-or-nothing thinking patterns, also known as splitting. This applies to people but can also refer to activities, hobbies, jobs, etc. I have many OCD traits so I may do this more so than others. It was the topic of many therapy sessions. I start out with a shiny new thing to do, feel immense joy, purpose, and determination. It seems to fill the void so I consume as much of it as possible until I feel whole. I remould my character to fit my new activity or hobby. And then one day something bad happens — my happy memories of this new hobby or activity are permanently tarnished. I see the flaws, I see how this thing is taking over my life in a way that I find unhealthy and I don't like it anymore. Or I push myself too hard and lose control or get hurt. Or I see through the illusion and realize it doesn’t really fill the void at all and I still feel empty just in a different way. The flood of negative associations makes it impossible to feel the same hunger and obsession I did before. So I drop it and move on to the next shiny thing."
This splitting pattern can further complicate the management of BPD and can make it more challenging to form stable and consistent interests.
Conclusion: Healthy Addictions and New Horizons
For individuals with BPD, it's essential to choose healthy forms of addiction and obsessive behavior. Engaging in activities that promote mental and physical well-being, such as exercise, creative pursuits, or mindfulness practices, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment without the harmful consequences associated with substance abuse or extreme behavior. While it's natural to become passionate about new things, the key is to develop a balanced and sustainable approach to these interests.
Understanding the underlying psychological factors and seeking professional support can help individuals with BPD navigate these intense feelings and behaviors more effectively. As Rhys learned, recognizing the patterns of obsession and splitting can be the first step in making healthier choices and finding new, more fulfilling pathways.
By combining therapy, self-care, and a willingness to explore healthier forms of passion, individuals with BPD can break the cycle of obsessive behavior and lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.