A personality disorder can have a dramatic effect on an individual’s daily life, as well as the way they think, behave, feel, and how they handle their relationships. However, personality disorders are often so nebulous to most people, that knowing how to tell if you have a personality disorder can be a considerable help in making sure you have the mental health support you need. We’re going to take a look at what exactly a personality disorder is, and the signs that you may have one. We’ll also cover what you should do if you think you may have one.
What Are Personality Disorders?
It’s common for people to have different mentalities or ways of thinking. It’s even more common to have people display different feelings and behaviors. The mix and expression of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are what makes you, you. They make up your personality.
While these traits are common in nearly all people, they do have the potential to cause considerable problems for you and those around you. This is more often the case when someone has a personality disorder. A personality disorder can have a significant influence on your emotions and how you express them, how you deal with stress and manage your daily life, how you handle personal and professional relationships, and more.
How To Tell If You Have A Personality Disorder
If you’re wondering how to know if you have a personality disorder and not just a collection of enduring quirks, you’ll need to speak to a licensed clinical professional.
If you are looking for a way that is more geared toward self-diagnosis, there are some signs that you can keep an eye out for. Here are some of the common signs of personality disorders:
- Black-and-white thinking: Individuals suffering from personality disorders may have inflexible, black-and-white thinking, making it difficult to recognize gray areas or consider alternative viewpoints.
- Inflexible thinking patterns: Individuals suffering from a personality disorder frequently have inflexible, unchanging ways of thinking and experiencing the world, which can make it difficult for them to adjust to new conditions.
- Impulsive behavior: Impulsive conduct, such as excessive spending, substance misuse, or promiscuous sexual activity, is common in personality disorders.
- Unstable relationships: People who suffer from personality disorders may have a history of unstable and stormy relationships characterized by frequent disagreements, fights, and breakups.
- Extreme mood swings: Personality disorders can cause rapid and extreme mood fluctuations, frequently without a clear trigger.
- Paranoid thoughts: Individuals with specific personality disorders are prone to paranoid ideas, such as suspicion of others or belief in conspiracy theories.
- Difficulty regulating emotions: Personality problems can make it difficult to manage one’s emotions, resulting in acute or persistent sensations of anxiety, rage, or severe melancholy.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness: Even during external stimulation, people with personality problems may suffer chronic sensations of emptiness or boredom.
- Self-destructive behavior: Individuals with personality disorders are more likely to engage in self-harm, substance misuse, and thoughts of suicide.
- Unwavering self-esteem: Individuals suffering from certain personality disorders may have an excessive sense of self-importance or, on the other hand, persistent and strong feelings of inadequacy.
I Think I Have A Personality Disorder
If you think you may have a personality disorder, one of the first things you should do is talk to a trusted loved one or friend, then contact a professional like the ones at Casa Recovery. By reaching out to a professional and talking to them about how you’re feeling, you have a much better chance of getting the help you need. Reach out to Casa Recovery today and discuss your concerns in a confidential environment.