Can People with BPD and EUPD Be Trusted?

It is a common misconception that individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) are inherently untrustworthy. This belief is often as unjust as not trusting a Muslim solely because some individuals have acted in a way that could damage public perception. The vast majority of people, whether with or without these disorders, share the same capabilities of trust and distrust. Trust is a complex and multifaceted concept that cannot be generalized based on a diagnosis alone.

Trust Beyond Diagnosis

Just as no one would categorize all Muslims as violent terrorists, it is equally unwise to categorize all individuals with BPD and EUPD as untrustworthy. Trustworthiness is a characteristic that transcends diagnostic labels. Each person, whether they have BPD, EUPD, or neither, possesses unique traits and behaviors that shape their relationships and interactions. Trust must be earned through personal experiences and mutual understanding, not predetermined by a diagnosis or a stereotype.

Positive Traits of BPD and EUPD

Many individuals with BPD and EUPD exhibit positive traits that are often overlooked. These traits can significantly enhance the quality of life for those around them. Some of the notable positive traits include:

Deep Empathy

Empaths, individuals with BPD, often possess an intense capacity for empathy. This means that they experience others' emotions as their own, sometimes making it difficult for them to differentiate between their own feelings and those of others. Scientific and psychological theories suggest that this heightened empathy could be the result of overactive mirror neurons, unique brain wiring, specific hormones, or traumatic experiences that have "trained" them to be hyper-vigilant and attuned to the emotions of those around them.

Deep Perception

People with BPD often have an acute ability to read facial expressions and subtle shifts in mood. This heightened perceptiveness is often joked about as having "psychic abilities" by both the individuals and their friends. This trait can be incredibly valuable in understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level.

Deep Capacity to Love

Despite myths and stereotypes, people with BPD and EUPD are capable of deep and profound love. While they may express and show love in a different manner, the depth and sincerity of their feelings are genuine. The push-pull dynamics and relationship instability often seen in BPD are rooted in past traumas rather than an inherent inability to form fulfilling relationships. These individuals, more than anyone else, can profoundly impact those around them through their love and care.

Exceptional Resilience

BPD and EUPD do not break individuals; rather, these conditions can shape them into resilient and emotionally intelligent beings. The challenges faced by individuals with these disorders often lead them to look inward for strength and solace. Much like a tree that bends but does not break, resilience is a hallmark of BPD and EUPD. Overcoming struggles can foster inner strength and fortitude.

Negative Traits and Challenges

It is also important to recognize the negative traits and challenges associated with BPD and EUPD, which include:

Intense Fear of Abandonment

A significant concern for many individuals with BPD is an intense fear of abandonment. This fear is so potent that it can lead to extreme measures to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection. This emotional vulnerability is often a direct result of past traumatic experiences and can significantly impact their interpersonal relationships.

Unstable and Intense Relationships

Individuals with BPD often exhibit a pattern of unstable and intense relationships. These relationships can be marked by cycles of idealization and devaluation, where they see someone as the ideal and perfect person to then quickly shift to the belief that the person does not care enough. This pattern is not a sign of instability in the individual's ability to love, but rather a reflection of their complex emotional experiences and the impact of past traumas.

Conclusion

Trust is an individual choice based on personal relationships and experiences, not on a preconceived notion about someone's diagnosis. People with BPD and EUPD, like anyone else, have the potential to build trustworthy and fulfilling relationships. By understanding and embracing their positive traits and addressing their challenges, society can foster a more inclusive and empathetic environment for all.