01 September 2023

Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Harm

BPD: Self-Harm Awareness, Research and Resources 

Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Harm

Language such as 'doing something stupid' is not only incredibly patronising but also stigmatising. Self-harm and suicide are neither silly nor stupid, they are expressions of something inexpressible, ways of communicating hopelessness.” ― Rachael Newham

BPD and Self-Harm Research

Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Harm
"Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulsivity. Self-harm is one of the behaviors associated with BPD, but it's important to note that not everyone with BPD engages in self-harm, and self-harm can occur in individuals without BPD as well.

Here's some information about the relationship between BPD and self-harm:

Self-Harm as a Coping Mechanism: Many individuals with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with intense emotions, particularly when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry, or depressed. Self-harm, such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself, can provide temporary relief from emotional pain. It's important to understand that self-harm is not a healthy or effective coping strategy.

Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a hallmark of BPD. This impulsivity can contribute to self-harming behaviors, as individuals with BPD may act on their emotions without considering the consequences.

Emotional Dysregulation: People with BPD often struggle with regulating their emotions. Intense mood swings and emotional instability can make it challenging to manage distressing feelings in a healthy way, leading to self-harm as an outlet.

Communicating Pain: Some individuals with BPD use self-harm as a way to communicate their emotional pain to others. They may find it difficult to express their emotions verbally and may resort to self-harm as a way to signal their distress to loved ones.

Seeking Control: Self-harm can provide a sense of control over overwhelming emotions and feelings of emptiness that are common in BPD. It can give a temporary illusion of mastery over one's body and emotions.

It's crucial to understand that self-harm is not a solution to the underlying issues associated with BPD, and it can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm and BPD, it's important to seek professional help. Effective treatments for BPD, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can help individuals learn healthier coping strategies and develop skills to manage their emotions and behaviors.

Additionally, if someone is engaging in self-harm and it appears to be life-threatening, seek immediate medical attention or contact a crisis helpline. Support from mental health professionals, friends, and family is essential in helping individuals with BPD manage their condition and reduce self-harming behaviors." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

A mixed methods study of the relationships between self-harm, suicidal behaviour, and disordered eating in BPD: the role of psychological factors University of Glasgow

An Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Self-Harm in Adolescents: The Role of Borderline Personality Pathology PDF Download American Psychological Association

Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Mutilation and Suicide: Literature Review NIH

Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis Psychological Medicine Cambridge University Press

Evaluation of a novel risk assessment method for self-harm associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Sage Journals

Explicit and Inferred Motives for Non suicidal Self Injurious Acts and Urges in Borderline and Avoidant Personality Disorders PDF Download The Cupola Gettysburg College

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Those Dealing With Borderline Personality Disorder or Separation from Parents Knowledge E

Pain and Identity Destruction – ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ and Self-Harm Self injury Support UK

Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and the effects of compulsory admissions on self-harm behaviour: A questionnaire study Nordic Journal of Psychiatry

Prediction of Self-Injury Behavior in Men with Borderline Personality Disorder Based on Their Symptoms of Borderline Personality and Alexithymia Brieflands

Self-Harm in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder ScienceDirect

Self-Harming and Sense of Agency in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder Frontiers in Psychiatry

Self-Harming Threats and Behavior in BPD Psychology Today

Self-injurious behaviors, chronic emptiness increase suicide attempt risk in BPD Healio


Self-Mutilation and Borderline Personality Disorder Verywell Mind

Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Borderline Personality Disorder American Psychological Association

Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior in People With BPD Psychiatric Times

The Association between Borderline Personality Disorder and Criminal Activity and Self-harm, Including Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development


The Relationship between non-suicidal Self-Injury and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms in a college sample BMC

Treating Suicidal Behavior and Self-Mutilation in People With Borderline Personality Disorder NIH

Understanding Self-Harm in Borderline Personality Disorder Caldac Clinic

Understanding Self-mutilation in Borderline Personality Disorder Harvard Review of Psychiatry

Volitional determinants of self-harm behaviour and suicidal risk in persons with Borderline Personality disorder European Journal of Psychiatry

What Predicts Self-Harm In People With Borderline Personality Disorder? Recovery Ranch Tennessee

Self Harm & BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) - Video