About two percent of the population has borderline personality disorder (BPD). Borderline personality disorder is a mood disorder that alters how a person thinks and interacts with others. There are several types of personality disorders, BPD is one of the most recognized types. [1]
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by mood fluctuations, and unstable self-image, impulsivity, and instability in relationships. It often causes problems with managing everyday life for people who have it. If you have this disorder, you may suffer from an intense fear of abandonment but also exhibit extreme behaviors like impulsiveness and disproportionate anger at loved ones, which can push them away.
Most people with BPD start showing symptoms in early adulthood. The symptoms of this condition are most pronounced in young adults, and the severity may reduce with age. If you suspect you or a loved one has BPD, here are some symptoms to look out for:
Fear of Abandonment
BPD is marked by an intense fear of abandonment. [2] If you have this disorder, you may often worry that people you love will leave you and this thought is terrifying. You may start to notice patterns that reinforce these fears, such as them not saying they love you before leaving for work. Many times, reality may not corroborate these fears.
Fear of abandonment can cause you to become clingy, obsessive, or even physically violent to keep the person. You may stalk them or beg them not to leave you alone. These actions can sometimes make your fear of your loved ones abandoning you a self-fulfilling prophecy.