Destructive Pride In Unstable Personality Disorder

Unstable personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by impulsivity, mental instability, low self-esteem, and feelings of emptiness , among other things . In contrast, destructive pride, for example, is not considered a clinical symptom of unstable personality disorder, although it is very common. What is destructive pride in unstable personality disorder and what can be done about it? Keep reading.

A person with an unstable personality disorder is usually very sensitive. When most people are at most irritated by some mild negative experience, a person suffering from this disorder may feel intense mental pain as a result.

In some cases, patients disguise themselves as referring to “false self-esteem” in order to protect themselves. Behind that mask, he begins to believe that he has access to some absolute truth and that everyone else is wrong.

What a person really hides under that cloak is a strong fear that someone would hurt him with a dissenting opinion. For this reason, a person tries to convince other people that these are wrong, and gets frustrated when he or she doesn’t get to change another person’s view.

In other words, a person suffering from this disorder is simply unable to deal with opposing opinions because he is unable to be flexible.

For this reason, loved ones begin to believe that a person considers themselves superior to others when trying to impose their views on others. This rejection of other people’s opinions may easily alienate family and friends.

Where does this destructive pride come from?

Behind such masks are usually hidden the wounds of the past, especially from childhood. People with unstable personality disorder have generally had a tragic childhood. For example, as children, they might feel that their parents didn’t care, they were often left alone, or they were constantly criticized.

In doing so, they try to improve their self-esteem by belittling others because this happened to them in their childhood.

A critical environment can affect a child in many different ways. What is known with certainty is that some children try to overcompensate for the humiliation they experience by embracing this mask of destructive pride. This is a way to wordlessly reflect that he will never want anyone to hurt himself again.

It is important for a patient with this disorder to understand that that proud, hostile adult he or she has become is nothing but a wounded, lonely child. He needs to realize that anger doesn’t help heal his wounds.

What can be done about it?

The fact that a person understands where the destructive pride inherent in an unstable personality disorder has its roots is only the first step. You have to work hard to overcome it. Fortunately, there are good strategies that can help with destructive pride.

One common method is for a patient to ask people they know letters, emails, or text messages in which they write what positive and negative traits a person thinks they have.

In addition to the need for constant reinforcement of his self-image, the patient is also unable to actively listen to other people’s opinions. Through this strategy, the patient ends up asking themselves questions.

For example, he might think, “Isn’t it weird that five different people think the same way about me?”, “Why can’t I digest the fact that someone has a different view?” or “What positive can I learn from this?”.

The idea of ​​this is for the patient to question their own absolute, rigid way of thinking. Through this, he can gradually begin to accept that other people’s opinions have value as well.

Making changes

The unexpected situations that come up every day are another good opportunity to deal with destructive pride. The goal is to become aware of the ways in which the mind and body respond to other people’s criticism (these reactions can include, for example, tension, chewing, or an accelerated heart rate). The next goal is to learn to wait a few minutes before reacting.

Once a person has learned this, he or she must remember to avoid starting a conversation with aggressive or tense body language. The person should keep their face relaxed, smile softly, and keep eye contact so that they do not look threatening. It is also best not to move your arms or legs too much or not to speak too fast.

For example, sentences can begin with, “I think / I think that…”. You may come across a bit by saying, for example, “I agree with you…”. What should be avoided is a tense tone of voice and a fight against people’s opinions. The other should never be annulled, even if one does not agree with him.

If you suffer from an unstable personality disorder and really try, you will see changes in your interactions with people.