Understanding

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or problems in daily life.

These patterns often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect relationships, work, and self-image. There are several types, including borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, each with unique features.

Line drawing of a person's face in profile, emphasizing facial features and contours.
Abstract image with soft gradients of cream and green, creating a calm and airy atmosphere.

What do personality disorders feel like?

Living with a personality disorder can mean struggling with intense emotions, impulsive actions, and difficulties relating to others. You might feel misunderstood, have trouble managing stress, or notice repeating patterns of conflict in relationships. Some people experience mood swings, distrust, or persistent feelings of emptiness. Symptoms often worsen during stressful times and can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration

How to overcome personality disorders with therapy

Therapy is the main treatment for personality disorders. Approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop healthier ways of relating to others.

Group therapy and family involvement can also be beneficial. Medication may be used to manage symptoms like anxiety or depression, but is not the primary treatment.

Through personality disorder counselling, you can:

  • Gain insight into your patterns and triggers

  • Learn coping skills for managing emotions and stress

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-esteem and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing personality disorders

  • Recognise patterns: Notice recurring thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that cause problems.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a mental health professional for assessment and diagnosis.

  • Engage in therapy: Participate in regular sessions to explore issues and build new skills.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if you have symptoms like depression or anxiety.

  • Involve support: Include family or trusted friends in your recovery process.

  • Monitor progress: Track changes and celebrate improvements over time.

Understanding

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or problems in daily life.

These patterns often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect relationships, work, and self-image. There are several types, including borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, each with unique features.

Line drawing of a person's face in profile, emphasizing facial features and contours.
Abstract image with soft gradients of cream and green, creating a calm and airy atmosphere.

What do personality disorders feel like?

Living with a personality disorder can mean struggling with intense emotions, impulsive actions, and difficulties relating to others. You might feel misunderstood, have trouble managing stress, or notice repeating patterns of conflict in relationships. Some people experience mood swings, distrust, or persistent feelings of emptiness. Symptoms often worsen during stressful times and can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration

How to overcome personality disorders with therapy

Therapy is the main treatment for personality disorders. Approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop healthier ways of relating to others.

Group therapy and family involvement can also be beneficial. Medication may be used to manage symptoms like anxiety or depression, but is not the primary treatment.

Through personality disorder counselling, you can:

  • Gain insight into your patterns and triggers

  • Learn coping skills for managing emotions and stress

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-esteem and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing personality disorders

  • Recognise patterns: Notice recurring thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that cause problems.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a mental health professional for assessment and diagnosis.

  • Engage in therapy: Participate in regular sessions to explore issues and build new skills.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if you have symptoms like depression or anxiety.

  • Involve support: Include family or trusted friends in your recovery process.

  • Monitor progress: Track changes and celebrate improvements over time.

Understanding

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations and cause distress or problems in daily life.

These patterns often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect relationships, work, and self-image. There are several types, including borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, each with unique features.

Abstract image with soft gradients of cream and green, creating a calm and airy atmosphere.

What do personality disorders feel like?

Living with a personality disorder can mean struggling with intense emotions, impulsive actions, and difficulties relating to others. You might feel misunderstood, have trouble managing stress, or notice repeating patterns of conflict in relationships. Some people experience mood swings, distrust, or persistent feelings of emptiness. Symptoms often worsen during stressful times and can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration

How to overcome personality disorders with therapy

Therapy is the main treatment for personality disorders. Approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop healthier ways of relating to others.

Group therapy and family involvement can also be beneficial. Medication may be used to manage symptoms like anxiety or depression, but is not the primary treatment.

Through personality disorder counselling, you can:

  • Gain insight into your patterns and triggers

  • Learn coping skills for managing emotions and stress

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-esteem and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing personality disorders

  • Recognise patterns: Notice recurring thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that cause problems.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a mental health professional for assessment and diagnosis.

  • Engage in therapy: Participate in regular sessions to explore issues and build new skills.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if you have symptoms like depression or anxiety.

  • Involve support: Include family or trusted friends in your recovery process.

  • Monitor progress: Track changes and celebrate improvements over time.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

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Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.

Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.

Logo for Manchester Counselling – in-person and online therapy service
Logo for Manchester Counselling – in-person and online therapy service