What does "unstable self image" mean...?!
Question: I understand that folks with borderline personality disorder have unstable self images. But what exactly is it?
I can describe some things I do if u can tell me if this is it?: I change the way I look a lot more often than others. People who know me know that I change my hair color, style, length, etc. at least once a month. It seems to be accompanied by a new sense of myself too. Like the blonde is the flirtier me and the brunette is the more serious, etc. These changes are also accompanied by total wardrobe changes too. All the way down to the jewelry and purses. I'm mixed with black/white and with these changes comes a different outlook of my race too. Brunette more pride in being black. Blonde more pride in being white. Just asking guys, seeing if you know.
Thank you.
Answers: I understand that folks with borderline personality disorder have unstable self images. But what exactly is it?
I can describe some things I do if u can tell me if this is it?: I change the way I look a lot more often than others. People who know me know that I change my hair color, style, length, etc. at least once a month. It seems to be accompanied by a new sense of myself too. Like the blonde is the flirtier me and the brunette is the more serious, etc. These changes are also accompanied by total wardrobe changes too. All the way down to the jewelry and purses. I'm mixed with black/white and with these changes comes a different outlook of my race too. Brunette more pride in being black. Blonde more pride in being white. Just asking guys, seeing if you know.
Thank you.
Self-image includes things like goals, values, types of friends, etc. In people who have Borderline Personality Disorder, these things often change dramatically and frequently.
What you have described is a great description of an unstable self-image. It basically means that the "you" that you identify with (how you see yourself, your preferences, etc) changes frequently and thus, is unstable. Your sense of who you are changes more frequently than it does for others who do not have some of the same issues.
I will list a couple of sites below for reference...
http://www.minddisorders.com/A-Br/Border...
http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/...
As to why people get BPD, nobody is really sure. Lots of people who have BPD suffered some sort of abuse or trauma as children, but not all.... so that's not a definative cause. Some say it could be genetic, but scientists just aren't sure. It may end up being partly due to family dysfunction experienced as a child and partly due to some people being a bit more fragile than others. One thing's for sure... regardless of how we got here, it's a tough disorder to deal with! BUT don't let anyone ever tell you that it doesn't get better because it can!