Personalities are a collection of distinctive traits, behavior styles, and patterns that make up our character or individuality. Individuals with healthy personalities are able to cope with normal stress and form lasting bonds with friends and family. Those who struggle with a personality disorder often have great difficulty dealing with other people.
Personality disorders are characterized by a collection of behavioral patterns often associated with personal, social, and occupational disruptions. Personality disorders are a type of mental disorder that can damage relationships if left untreated or undiagnosed. Individuals who suffer from personality disorders can express a wide range of emotions and behaviors, causing friends and family to withdraw from the individual.
There are many categories of personality disorders, with some that can co-occur causing symptoms to blur together. Some personality disorders are so severe they can lead to suicide.
Signs of a personality disorder:
- Mood swings
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Attempted suicide
- Decline in physical health due to lack of care