Existential depression?

[Bella2798]

Hi again!
I'm soo embarrassed that I make lots of topics here :D but as this place is my main source of getting educated and of course advice and support among others who understand, I tend to post here a lot.

I was searching through the internet about some of my partner's symptoms when I saw a term "existential depression". It'd described as when someone finds their life meaningless, and the world not valuable to live in. They find no point in living even if all their problems in life are solved.

Do we have something like this related to pwBPD?
I was wondering if there is any relation.

I hope others share their experiences too.

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[kells76]

Hi Bella2798,

Good question about the relationship between depression and BPD.

Not sure if you've had a chance to look at the NEA-BPD website yet -- it's the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, and it's a reputable and well-regarded site for those with BPD, and for families/friends of those with BPD. It contains clinically accurate information, support groups, Q&As, etc, and according to their Diagnosis page,

Borderline personality disorder often occurs with other illnesses. This is called co-morbidity or having co-occurring disorders. This can make it hard to diagnose, especially if symptoms of other illnesses overlap with the BPD symptoms.

According to the NIMH-funded National Comorbidity Survey Replication—the largest national study to date of mental disorders in U.S. adults—about 85 percent of people with BPD also suffer from another mental illness.5 Over half the BPD population suffers from Major Depressive Disorder. When depression and BPD co-occur, the depression often does not lift (even with medication), until the borderline personality disorder symptoms improve.

Women with BPD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders such as major depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse or eating disorders. In men, BPD is more likely to accompany disorders such as substance abuse or antisocial personality disorder.

Most co-morbidities are listed below, followed by the estimated percent of people with BPD who have them:

* Major Depressive Disorder – 60%

* Dysthymia (a chronic type of depression) – 70%

* Substance abuse – 35%

* Eating disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating) – 25%

* Bipolar disorder – 15%

* Antisocial Personality Disorder – 25%

* Narcissistic Personality Disorder – 25%

* Self-Injury – 55%-85%

So, it seems very possible that your partner is experiencing a common co-morbidity.

Hope that is a helpful start;

kells76