Being in a relationship when you or your partner suffers from BPD can lead to frustration, resentment, and hurt feelings for both partners. Here are just some ways BPD affects your relationship and your mental health.   
\-Physical Contact Becomes Difficult

Those who suffer from a germ-related BPD may have trouble being physically intimate with a partner for fear of contracting an illness.

Studies show that physical contact, even simple things like holding hands, has been strongly linked to an increase in trust, monogamy, and marriage satisfaction.

BPD can make having sex or showing affection, both aspects of a relationship that contribute to happiness and emotional bonding, nearly impossible.

#### -It’s Hard to Watch

Those with BPD often suffer from a constant state of uncertainty or anxious thoughts. This may require repeated reassurance from your spouse that can be overwhelming.

Being in a relationship with someone with mental health issues can also make the unaffected spouse feel helpless and can lower their self-esteem.

#### -Lowers Happiness

Having a Mental disorder means that your mind may fixate on anything to obsess over, including your spouse. This can cause you to pay more than the usual attention to your partner’s flaws.

You may make pro/con lists about your spouse or have recurring thoughts about whether you love them or vice versa.

All of these behaviors can have a negative effect on both you and your spouse’s happiness.

BPD can also contribute to clinical depression which can make you feel restless, fatigued, indifferent, pessimistic, hopeless, and worthless. These take a toll on your mental health and your relationship.  


# What to Do About BPD?

Nobody who has BPD enjoys the compulsions they feel. Not only do they interfere with daily life, but they can also present many challenges in maintaining romantic relationships.

The good news is, there are many ways to cope.

The World Journal of Psychiatry says :

&gt;“Over the past three decades,borderline personality  disorder (bpd) has moved from an almost untreatable, life-long psychiatric disorder to a highly manageable one.” This is great news for those being affected by BPD!

Such coping mechanisms include:

\-Communicate with your spouse 

communication is the key to successful relationships, especially when issues of mental health are involved. In order to keep relationship frustrations at a minimum for both of you, it’s important to speak openly and honestly about your condition. Talk about changes in your symptoms, how you feel emotionally, and allow them to express their feelings as well.

 –Seek Therapy

Going to psychotherapy can be a useful tool in controlling your compulsions. Your therapist can help you work on issues of self-control, past trauma, and self-confidence that may be affecting your BPD.

[\-Keep a Journal](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096TTS1MM)

Many find it beneficial to keep a journal of worries and conflicting feelings . Studies show that journaling your thoughts and feelings can reduce stress and boost immune functions.

Having a physical record of your BPD will help you take control of your thoughts and understand triggers that are affecting your mental health.