Do you have intense emotions that feel out of control, and yet you do your best to hide them from others?
If so, you're not alone. If you find yourself constantly battling inner turmoil while keeping it calm, cool, and collected on the outside, you might be experiencing what's known as Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This less recognized form of BPD can leave you feeling misunderstood and alone in your struggles. Plus, it can be exhausting trying to keep it all together.
Though the term “quiet BPD” isn’t an official diagnosis, it's important to know that your experiences are valid, and there are others who share similar challenges.
This quick quiz aims to shed light on quiet BPD and help you learn more about what you're going through. For many people, this is a crucial first step towards understanding yourself better and getting help.
Let's dive in.
How accurate is this quiz?
At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.
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Example scenarios
- The Perfectionist Professor: Dr. Amelia Brooks is known throughout the psychology department for her brilliant mind and meticulous research. Students admire her, but also find her a bit intimidating. Her lectures are flawless, her office spotless, and her expectations for assignments are incredibly high. However, lately, Amelia has been struggling with intense mood swings. One minute she feels euphoric about a new project, the next she's plunged into despair convinced her research is worthless. She constantly worries her students secretly think she's a fraud, and any perceived criticism sends her into a tailspin of self-doubt. Amelia desperately seeks validation from her colleagues, but also pushes them away with sudden outbursts of anger if they disagree with her. While she appears to have everything together on the surface, Amelia's inner world is a rollercoaster of emotions, a hallmark of quiet BPD.
- The Wallflower with a Secret: Sarah Jones seems like the epitome of the quiet introvert. She sits towards the back of the class, rarely speaks up in discussions, and prefers spending lunch alone reading a book. However, underneath her calm exterior, Sarah battles a storm of emotions. She desperately craves close relationships but fears rejection so much that she sabotages any potential friendships before they start. One minute she idealizes someone new, the next she's convinced they secretly hate her. Sarah spends hours curating a perfect online persona, but feels like a complete fraud in real life. She experiences intense emotional episodes after even minor social interactions, needing days to recover from the perceived slights and judgment. While Sarah may fly under the radar socially, the emotional turmoil within is a constant struggle.
- The Accommodating Partner: Mark prides himself on being a supportive and understanding husband. He anticipates his wife's needs, avoids conflict at all costs, and bends over backwards to make her happy. However, Mark's fear of abandonment is all-consuming. He constantly worries his wife will leave him if he isn't perfect Any perceived criticism feels like a personal attack, and he takes on all the blame during arguments. Mark has isolated himself from his own friends and hobbies to focus solely on his wife, and becomes extremely jealous if she spends time with anyone else. While Mark presents as the ideal partner outwardly, his constant need for reassurance and his intense fear of being alone are signs of quiet BPD.
Important Note: These are fictional scenarios and not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect you or someone you know might be experiencing quiet BPD, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health professional.