7 Steps to Managing a BPD Episode: Step by Step

Summary

In this video, Dr. Fox offers guidance on managing a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) episode, emphasizing the importance of establishing trust and patience in the relationship with the affected individual. Key steps include focusing the person on the present, encouraging slow, deep breathing, reassuring them of support, and addressing the triggering incident once calm. Dr. Fox stresses the necessity of clear, concrete problem-solving and consistent follow-through to maintain a reliable connection with the person experiencing the BPD episode.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Recognize a BPD episode as a time when the person is highly agitated and at risk of self-harm or acting out.
• 🔒 Importance of having a trusted, patient, and caring relationship with the person to effectively manage their BPD episode.
• 👂 Listen to how you are perceived; if seen negatively, it may hinder your ability to calm the person down.
• 🌀 Focus on getting the person to concentrate on the present moment and not on future worries or past issues.
• 👃 Encourage slow and deep breathing from the stomach to help regulate their intense emotional state.
• 💬 Speak calmly and avoid reacting to any negative comments to maintain a peaceful presence.
• 👍 Reassure the person that things will be okay and that you are there to help, reinforcing your role as a supportive figure.
• 🔍 Once calm, ask the person to explain what triggered the episode without delving into broader issues.
• 🛠 After calming down, focus on problem-solving the specific trigger of the BPD episode, avoiding general issues.
• 📋 Make clear, concrete, and achievable suggestions for how to address the trigger, and ensure you follow through on them.
• 🤝 Emphasize the importance of consistency in actions and words to build trust and reliability in the relationship with the person with BPD.

Q & A

What is a BPD episode?

A BPD episode refers to a period of intense emotional distress experienced by someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), characterized by heightened agitation, potential self-harm, and acting out behaviors.

Why is the perception of the person managing the BPD episode important?

The perception of the person managing the BPD episode is crucial because if they are seen as trusted, patient, and caring, they are more likely to be able to calm the person down and effectively manage the episode.

What should be the initial focus during a BPD episode?

The initial focus should be on getting the person to focus on the present moment and the person managing the episode, rather than on worries about the future or past events.

How can breathing exercises help during a BPD episode?

Breathing exercises, specifically slow and deep breaths using the stomach, can help slow down the person's intense breathing and calm them down during a BPD episode.

What is the role of the person managing the BPD episode in terms of communication?

The person managing the BPD episode should communicate in a calm voice, avoid reacting to provocations, and remain present and focused on the person experiencing the episode.

Why is reassurance important during a BPD episode?

Reassurance is important to help the person feel safe and supported, knowing that someone is there to help them through the episode.

When should the person managing the BPD episode ask about the triggering incident?

The triggering incident should be discussed once the person has calmed down a bit and is no longer in the middle of the episode, allowing for a more rational discussion.

What is the key to effective problem-solving during a BPD episode?

Effective problem-solving involves focusing on the specific trigger of the BPD episode and avoiding general issues, ensuring that the discussion remains relevant and manageable.

How should suggestions for help be presented during a BPD episode?

Suggestions for help should be clear, concrete, and achievable, ensuring that they are realistic and can be followed through on.

Why is consistency in actions important when managing a BPD episode?

Consistency in actions is crucial because it builds trust and reliability. Actions should align with what is said to avoid misunderstandings and to maintain a stable relationship with the person with BPD.