Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

What it is:
BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and difficulty regulating impulses. Students with BPD may experience rapid mood shifts and strong reactions to perceived criticism or rejection.

What to look out for:
Students may have frequent emotional outbursts, fear of abandonment, or unstable friendships. They may oscillate between idealizing and devaluing peers or teachers and display impulsive behaviors that disrupt learning.

Real-life example:
A student becomes extremely upset after receiving constructive feedback on an assignment, perceiving it as personal criticism. Later, they may seek attention or reassurance from the teacher repeatedly, impacting their focus and that of others.

How it affects learning:
Emotional volatility can interfere with concentration, classroom participation, and peer interactions. Students may avoid tasks that provoke anxiety or criticism, leading to incomplete work and academic gaps.

Best learning strategies:

• Provide consistent, calm feedback with clear expectations.

• Teach coping strategies for managing emotions.

• Encourage structured routines to reduce uncertainty.

• Offer access to school counseling or mental health services.

• Promote peer support and a safe, understanding classroom environment.