Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. People with borderline personality disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that can last from a few hours to days.

This guide is intended to make it clear that dealing with the diagnosis is only part of the problem and its solution, and that subjective experience has a key role to play. Readers are therefore well advised not to give up their critical distance. The description of mental illnesses is always connected with a simplification and not every subjective fate is found in this or other form in all affected persons.
This book would not have been possible without the willingness of those concerned to cooperate. The openness and seriousness of the affected persons to present their own problems and to participate in the councellor was not to be expected and impressively confirmed how fruitful the cooperation between affected persons and professional helpers can be. The contributions of those affected are reproduced in the text as answers to questions. The diversity of the answers not only shows the different levels of symptomatology, but also shows in an impressive way which different forms of coping can be developed.