A strong fear of abandonment, even when it is not clearly happening
Very unstable relationships that shift quickly between idealizing and devaluing others
A very unstable sense of self or identity
Rapid mood changes that can last hours to a few days
Intense anger that is hard to control
Impulsive behaviors that can cause harm, such as risky spending, unsafe sex, substance use, or reckless driving
Chronic feelings of emptiness
Feeling very upset or panicked when relationships feel uncertain
Periods of paranoia or feeling disconnected from reality during stress
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Strong emotional reactions that feel bigger than the situation
Difficulty calming down after emotional upset
Feeling misunderstood, rejected, or abandoned often
Trouble keeping consistent goals, values, or plans
A pattern of unstable friendships, romantic relationships, or family conflicts
Symptoms that have been present for a long time and affect daily life
A mental health professional can assess whether these symptoms fit borderline personality disorder