WTF is Splitting in BPD?! (P.S. Share with your friends & families)

Splitting is so highly demonized in BPD. So, like, what even is it?? 

Splitting is a defense mechanism in which a person has difficulty holding both positive and negative feelings about themselves, others, or situations at the same time. Instead, people or experiences may be viewed in extreme, “all-or-nothing” ways — for example, someone may be seen as completely caring and safe one moment, then completely hurtful or uncaring after a conflict or disappointment.

Splitting often happens during periods of emotional stress, fear of abandonment, rejection, shame, or interpersonal conflict. The shift in perception is usually tied to intense emotions rather than manipulation or intentional behavior. For the person experiencing it, the feelings and interpretations can feel very real and urgent in the moment.

In this episode Talon and I review splitting and talk about recent examples in our lives.