Quiet borderline is a diagnosis less frequently described in the literature, yet it is highly important to understand such a problem exists. In the US, specialists use the terms: quiet and silent borderline, as well as high functioning borderline. What is this disorder and how can we recognize it?
What Is Quiet Borderline?
There has been so much written about the classic borderline that it is said that most people, regardless of their interest in psychology, can list the first associations:
- impulsiveness,
- emotional instability,
- outbursts of aggression,
- lack of responsibility,
- distorted perception of interpersonal relationships,
- self-aggression.
The classic borderline is “loud”, so the people around such a person soon realize what is going on.
On the other hand, even specialists can face difficulties when diagnosing the silent type of borderline. In fact, quiet borderline uses the same defense mechanisms, which are similar to typical borderline patients. The difference is that the emotional storms are invisible to others because they happen in solitude.
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How Can You Recognize Silent Borderline?
To identify a high-functioning borderline person, you must obtain access to their inner world. Moreover, it is important to access their well-guarded demands and inadequacies.
Borderline people do not show it every day, but they undoubtedly know how to look as if everything is alright. A quiet borderline may have a position of leadership, pursue a job in science, have friends, and be in a relationship. Because they have learned to deal with internal anguish on their own, it is hard to detect what is hurting and disturbing them.
Some people just grit their teeth and get the job done; they can control themselves and keep their feelings to themselves.
It would seem strange to seek people who seem to be doing so well in life. However, just because they act like nothing is wrong, they can hide serious problems beneath the surface.
You can help people with quiet borderline to save them from their feeling of abandonment and hopelessness. Let them express their emotions by correctly identifying the issues they face in everyday life. In time, well-maintained discussions can help them externalize their true self.