It really feels like there is a poison in her that she can only get out through these angry burst.
It sounds like she is releasing the build up of emotions for sure. That happens. The angry outbursts act like a pressure release. It also sounds like the soothing effects (for her at least) do not last long.
And that it doesn't really matter what I say anyway. We can have a discussion and come to a conclusion but then she is bringing up the same issues later that day or the next as if we never talked about it at all.
If you are having a conversation, or attempting to when she is already dysregulated, chances are she is not going to hear you or really even remember what you may have agreed upon. Are there quiet, calm times when you can have a conversation that sticks, where she remembers the resolution you have reached?
I know this is probably wrong, but as communication seems hopeless, I just listen and nod along in agreement, hoping she will calm down.
A lot of us have done this. I know I did with my ex. anything to get it to end! The problem is that while this may result in a short term relief for us it will work against us in the long term especially if we admit to doing things or thinking things that are not true.
So I have grown distant in some ways because I don't know how to interact with her. (It used to be so effortless.) She senses it and tells me I have lost my mind and become a different person.
It is human to pull away when someone is acting this way. Some people, and especially those with BPD, are very attuned to the emotions of those close to them.
She will demand I tell her what is wrong, but immediate preface with "and you know this isn't about me" or "don't try to make this about me". So there is no answer. Any time I try to be even remotely honest, it escalates into a full blown episode, where she will be yelling at me literally all hours of the night without pause. And I mean literally 6+ hours straight.
Can you give a more specific run down of he said/she said so we can break it down a bit?
And in the worst cases we descend into suicide talk where she is running around with knives.
What do you do in these situations? Has she ever tried to commit suicide? Does she see a T (therapist)? Is anyone else aware of this behavioral pattern like her family? This is a lot for you to deal with and so very difficult. Sometimes what can help is for you to call the
suicide hotline and tell them about what your wife dies and they can advise you. We can help you here too. We have a
suicide ideation protocol that we use here. It was developed in consultation with national experts and is inline with their advice and protocols. Read the article (it is not long) and make sure you scroll down to the part where we cover: If you are helping someone with suicidal thoughts.
When things are calm can you sit down with her and explain to her that suicide threats and running around with a knife is something you will act on by making sure she gets help? Saying something like: " I want to help and support you yet I am not trained to handle suicide and I want you to get help. I can either drive you to the hospital where there are people who do know how to help you or I can call for an ambulance". Give her an either or choice rather than giving her an option to do nothing.
Would that work for you? Thoughts?