[Ultra Darkness]

People can be described as having emotional rollercoasters, but it seems to me that people with bpd have emotional switchboards. Push a button and sadness turns to anger. push another one and all emotions cease. I never grow angry then wind down. I'm either angry, or I'm not. The other day I went from angry to calm in the middle of an argument. The funny thing is that I was still thinking logically through the whole thing, but couldn't stop being bitingly sarcastic, even after being told twice to stop.

[Epiphany111]

I totally agree with a lot of this. However, I have noticed that with myself, my moods never stay long...unless it is anxious...this tend s to stay for a lot longer. But I will generally go from ok to incredibly upset with a simple word from the other person (usually my bf), but then immediately back to trying to make them happy without really showing how upset I am. Does that make sense? Or like I will think of something that upsets me and I will be uncontrollably crying for like 5 minutes, then fine the next...so weird.

[Ultra Darkness]

I know what you mean. I don't think I ever hold onto a mood for more than a couple hours tops. I was told that I'm "unreal" after going suddenly calm in the middle of that argument.

[Epiphany111]

It is incredibly difficult. Do you ever not know how to feel about situations? Like, I know that I get upset over stupid stuff, but when I am upset I can't decide whether I should be upset because this person actually hurt my feelings or if I am being emo haha.

[Ultra Darkness]

I knew there was no reason to be angry during that fight, but that didn't stop me . Actually, I'm often unsure how I should respond emotionally, except to know I'm responding wrong.

I feel this way most of the time...extreme emotions of only one at a time that can switch on a dime...except when it comes to relationships----of any kind. Then I feel all the emotions at once, all contradictory, and I don't know which to act on, but the decision I make is usually the wrong one.

[BorderlineMess]

Personally, if I truly analyze myself, I really do "grow" angry or turn sad. It's just that the turn of emotions is so incredibly quick that it seems instantaneous. One word or phrase, one action or inaction sparks a turn. But it can take me a lot longer to get back to a normal phase. When I was in DBT, my counselor said that Marsha Linehan said that borderlines are like people with third degree burns over 90% of their body. The slightest touch or change causes an "instant" amount of pain or discomfort, and it takes us a lot longer to get back to baseline, or a "normal" level. I see a lot of truth in that with me.

I let things fester; I hold grudges. But I can also forgive quickly, if I feel the person is genuine.

We're a complicated bunch, that's for sure.

[Hulk29]

I am the exact same way. I can be completely fine and then all of the sudden its like a switch was turned on and I lose it. My anger can get so out of control I sometimes don't know what I'm doing. But it won't last long. And when it's over, I move on. I almost always feel regret and embarrassment. But the anger itself never lasts long.

[greyclouds]

Oh I totally agree with it being a switch board.
Moods happen so quick with out warning. I guess it would be like some one playing on a switch board with are emotions.

[Ultra Darkness]

[QUOTE

I let things fester; I hold grudges. But I can also forgive quickly, if I feel the person is genuine.
[/QUOTE]
It's a bit different with me. My emotions change so quickly that I can't hold a grudge.