Careers for People With Borderline Personality Disorder

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBPD at WorkFinding the Best JobCoping in the Workplace

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

BPD at Work

Finding the Best Job

Coping in the Workplace

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can affect many areas of life, but people with the condition can and do go on to have successful, satisfying careers. Here, you’ll learn how BPD can affect your work performance, how to navigate your symptoms, and how to cope with job-related stress.BPD Criteria for DiagnosisHow BPD Symptoms Can Affect You at WorkBPD symptoms can vary with workplace settings, but here are some of the most common ways they can affect your work.Self-image: If you have BPD, your self-image, goals, and even your likes and dislikes may change frequently, and committing to one career path can be difficult. Thisunstable self-imagecan cause you to miss out on promotions and opportunities linked to seniority.All-or-nothing thinking: Many with BPD see people and situations as all-good or all-bad. This all-or-nothing approach is commonly referred to assplitting. For example, suppose you landed and now love what you view as your dream job, but you’ve just received a poor performance review. If you have BPD, you now might view the job, the company, the people, etc. negatively.Unstable relationships: Frequently changing feelings and all-or-nothing thinking can also cause problems with workplace relationships.Symptoms of BPD also can interfere with concentration, which can lead to poor work performance. For example, frequentdissociationcan inhibit the ability to finish tasks on time.BPD vs. Bipolar Disorder: What’s the Difference?Finding the Best Job for YouThere is no “best” job for people with BPD; it depends on each person’s unique situation and symptoms. The goal is to find a job that works foryou. Here are some things to consider.Creativity: Many people with BPD thrive when given the opportunity to be creative. A career that challenges your creativity might help you stay interested.Schedule: If you must take time off for appointments, other work, or family obligations, a job with a flexible schedule is a good option. Working during daytime hours is best because it facilitates a healthy sleep schedule.Work environment: Some people do best in a quiet, relaxed workspace where they can concentrate. Others work well amid background noise and activity. Choose a job with a work environment that supports your efforts.Self-knowledge: Knowing yourself—your interests, limitations, skills, strengths, and values—is crucial to finding a good fit.How to Cope With BPD in the WorkplaceSome ways to cope with day-to-day demands include:Avoiding stressful situations.Taking a step backfrom potential confrontation can help you see a situation more clearly. It also gives you the opportunity to use positive communication skills, which is especially important in work relationships.Taking your medication and keeping your appointments. This is vital, even if you think you’re feeling better. Always consult your doctor before stopping or changing your medication. Work with your therapist to balance work with your scheduled sessions.Trying relaxation exercises. Relaxation techniques such asdeep breathingandmeditationcan help you maintain your stability in a stressful situation.The TakeawayIf you’re worried about how your symptoms will affect your job performance and career satisfaction, speak with your therapist. They can offer career suggestions and useful strategies for managing your symptoms. And remember: People with BPD have been successful in every possible profession, and BPD does not define you.The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can affect many areas of life, but people with the condition can and do go on to have successful, satisfying careers. Here, you’ll learn how BPD can affect your work performance, how to navigate your symptoms, and how to cope with job-related stress.

BPD Criteria for Diagnosis

How BPD Symptoms Can Affect You at Work

BPD symptoms can vary with workplace settings, but here are some of the most common ways they can affect your work.

Symptoms of BPD also can interfere with concentration, which can lead to poor work performance. For example, frequentdissociationcan inhibit the ability to finish tasks on time.

BPD vs. Bipolar Disorder: What’s the Difference?

Finding the Best Job for You

There is no “best” job for people with BPD; it depends on each person’s unique situation and symptoms. The goal is to find a job that works foryou. Here are some things to consider.

How to Cope With BPD in the Workplace

Some ways to cope with day-to-day demands include:

The Takeaway

If you’re worried about how your symptoms will affect your job performance and career satisfaction, speak with your therapist. They can offer career suggestions and useful strategies for managing your symptoms. And remember: People with BPD have been successful in every possible profession, and BPD does not define you.

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). 5th edition. Washington, DC; 2013.Skodol AE, Gunderson JG, McGlashan TH, et al.Functional impairment in patients with schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(2):276-283. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.2.276

Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). 5th edition. Washington, DC; 2013.Skodol AE, Gunderson JG, McGlashan TH, et al.Functional impairment in patients with schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(2):276-283. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.2.276

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). 5th edition. Washington, DC; 2013.Skodol AE, Gunderson JG, McGlashan TH, et al.Functional impairment in patients with schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(2):276-283. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.2.276

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). 5th edition. Washington, DC; 2013.

Skodol AE, Gunderson JG, McGlashan TH, et al.Functional impairment in patients with schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(2):276-283. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.2.276

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