What does identity instability’s actually feel like in BPD?

In this episode of The BPD Bunch, Xannie, Carys, Solène, André, and Katja, start looking at identity through the lens of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). It’s a way of understanding BPD that focuses more on patterns and functioning, not just labels. Under the AMPD, difficulties with identity are considered part of impairments in self functioning, alongside self-direction. To meet criteria for BPD in this model, a person must have difficulties in at least two areas of personality functioning: identity, self direction, empathy, or intimacy, along with four or more pathological personality traits, which we’ll be discussing in more detail later this season.

If you’ve ever had that “who even am I?” moment… yeah. This is that episode.

We talk about:

• what it’s like to feel like you don’t have a solid sense of self

• why you might feel like you don’t know who you are

• masking and becoming whoever you need to be to avoid rejection

• losing yourself in relationships, jobs, or even your diagnosis

• when BPD starts to feel like your whole identity

• how identity struggles show up in everyday life

This is part of our Season 7 series where we’re breaking BPD down in a more real, human way while also connecting it to newer ways of understanding personality.In the first two episodes of the season, Dr. Carla Sharp, Dr. Frank Yeomans, and Dr. Alex Stein explained what the AMPD is, how it changes from the current categorical model, and how the BPD diagnosis is changing. In case you missed it, here are the links:

Part 1

Part 2

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About Us:

The BPD bunch is a YouTube talk show, featuring a panel of people who are in functional recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder. Each week we discuss BPD-related topics to help give you insights into the different ways BPD can be expressed in someone’s life. We also cover the different paths we followed on our recovery journeys to give you hope and direction for your own ❤️ Thank you for being on this journey of healing with us!

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Disclaimer:

This video is for education only and is not meant to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.