What You Need to Know About Divorcing a Spouse With Borderline Personality Disorder!
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that
affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It can make
it difficult for them to have stable relationships and manage their emotions.
As a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I have identified
and worked with many spouses suffering from borderline personality disorder.
This type of mental illness is very destructive and infiltrates marriages
in painful and profound ways. It is not easy for most people to understand
what is happening but the chaos and dysfunction of this disorder is very
unhealthy.
Here are 10 common traits of borderline personality disorder that you might
recognize in your spouse.
1. Fear of abandonment
People with BPD may have an intense fear of being abandoned, which can
lead to a pattern of unstable relationships.
2. Unstable sense of self
They may have a difficult time defining their own identity, and their self-image
may fluctuate rapidly.
3. Impulsive behavior
BPD can lead to impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving,
and risky sexual behavior.
4. Intense and unstable relationships
Relationships with those who have BPD can be tumultuous, with intense emotions
and frequent changes in closeness and distance.
5. Mood swings
People with BPD may experience intense and rapid mood swings, often triggered
by external events.
6. Suicidal thouhts or behaviors
Those with BPD may struggle with suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harm
behaviors as a coping mechanism.
7. Intense fear of rejection
They may fear rejection so intensely that they will act in ways that will
push people away.
8 Extreme black-and-white thinking
BPD can cause individuals to view people and situations in all-or-nothing
terms.BPD can cause individuals to view people and situations in all-or-nothing terms.
9. Difficulty managing emotions
People with BPD may struggle to regulate their emotions leading to extreme
reactions to even minor events.
10. Chronic feelings of emptiness
They may feel a chronic sense of emptiness that cannot be filled by external
experiences or relationships.
Divorcing a spouse with borderline personality disorder can be very challenging.
Here are some of my successful strategies for divorcing a spouse with BPD:
Establish boundaries: It is important to establish clear boundaries and
communicate them to your spouse. This can include setting limits on communication,
establishing a visitation schedule, and avoiding triggers that may escalate conflict.
Be consistent: Consistency can be helpful in managing the unpredictable
behavior of someone with BPD. Stick to your agreed-upon boundaries and
avoid making promises you can't keep.
Practice empathy: Although it may be difficult, practicing empathy towards
your spouse can help you manage your own emotions and potentially de-escalate
conflict. Remember that they are struggling with a mental health condition
and try to approach them with compassion while protecting yourself and
planning a safe exit strategy.
Seek professional support: A medically trained divorce attorney, like me,
is key to navigating this complex disorder in a divorce.
If you are in a marriage with a spouse with borderline personality disorder,
you need specialized legal/psychological help.
My unique combination of legal and medical training is very effective when
it comes to helping someone divorce a spouse with this type of mental illness.
All our
FREE CONSULTATIONS are still available virtually.
If you can find the strength, pick up the phone and call me, I will guide
you safely toward the best divorce solutions.
I know it’s scary and confusing. Become educated and learn what is
possible during a free consultation with me.
I look forward to helping you!
Warm regards,
Lois
Please call to schedule your FREE consultation now.
We can book a consultation for you immediately!
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Call 212.734.1551