Can a Borderline Ever Be Normal? Unraveling the Complexities

When you think of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), the first thing that often comes to mind is intense emotional turbulence and challenging behaviors. But here's the big question: can someone with BPD ever be "normal"? It’s a question that I’ve found myself asking more than once, especially after talking with friends and clients who struggle with the disorder. The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. Let’s dive into what "normal" really means in this context and what the path to emotional stability looks like for someone with BPD.

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

Before jumping to conclusions about whether or not someone with BPD can ever be "normal," it’s crucial to understand what BPD is. Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition marked by unstable moods, relationships, and self-image. But it’s so much more complex than just a few emotional ups and downs.

Symptoms of BPD

When you think about BPD, you might picture someone with intense mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions, or being afraid of abandonment. But it’s a lot more layered than that. Some common symptoms include:

• Impulsive behaviors (like substance abuse or risky activities)

• Extreme mood changes

• A fragile sense of self

• Difficulty maintaining stable relationships

• Intense fear of rejection or abandonment

Honestly, I’ve seen how this disorder can take a toll on individuals. In fact, a good friend of mine, let’s call her Sarah, has been dealing with BPD for years. The chaos in her emotional life has often left me wondering how she manages, and it made me realize that understanding BPD requires a lot of patience and empathy.

The Path to Stability: Can Someone with BPD Be "Normal"?

Okay, so can someone with BPD ever be "normal"? Well, "normal" is a tough word to define. Everyone’s baseline of normal is different. But if we look at emotional stability, treatment, and self-awareness, the answer is a bit more optimistic.

Treatment and Healing

First things first, BPD is treatable. With the right therapy, especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), many people with BPD learn to manage their symptoms effectively. I’ve seen Sarah go through therapy sessions that helped her a lot—it's not a quick fix, but progress is real. DBT focuses on teaching skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can create stability and reduce impulsive behaviors.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy works, but it’s a journey. If you’re asking if someone with BPD can just "snap out of it" or instantly return to a calm, normal life—well, not really. But with dedication and proper mental health support, people with BPD can learn to handle the overwhelming emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Honestly, I think the progress Sarah made in a year of therapy was a game-changer.

Emotional Regulation and the "Normal" Life

I don’t want to sugarcoat things, though. Emotional regulation doesn’t happen overnight. But with consistent effort, someone with BPD can indeed experience a "normal" life—though it might look different than the life of someone who hasn’t dealt with the disorder. For example, it could mean managing triggers, learning to communicate effectively in relationships, and building a more stable sense of self.

Can BPD Ever Be "Cured"?

So, if the question is whether someone with BPD can ever be "cured," the short answer is no—not in the sense of completely eliminating the disorder. BPD doesn’t just go away, but symptoms can be managed. People can live fulfilling, healthy lives while managing their BPD symptoms, and that’s important to understand.

Long-term Management

Honestly, I’ve learned that BPD is more about long-term management than a one-time "cure." Think of it like managing any other chronic condition—it's all about maintaining balance and learning to navigate life’s ups and downs with the right tools.

Support Systems and Coping Strategies

Building a strong support system is also key. Sarah often mentions how much she benefits from being around people who understand her challenges and provide emotional support. You don’t have to go through this alone, and for those with BPD, strong, supportive relationships can help maintain stability.

Conclusion: "Normal" Is Different for Everyone

Can someone with BPD ever be normal? Well, it depends on what "normal" means. If by "normal," you mean the absence of emotional turmoil and the ability to live without constantly battling internal struggles, then yes—it’s possible with the right treatment and support. People with BPD can absolutely build lives filled with stability, joy, and healthy relationships, but it takes time, patience, and effort.

So, while they may not fit into the mold of conventional "normal," their journey toward emotional stability can lead them to a rich, meaningful life. And that, honestly, is more than enough. If you're someone with BPD or know someone who is, remember—progress is always possible, and there’s no such thing as a "lost cause."

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.