Personality difficulties and challenges
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In a sentence
Some people notice the same difficulties with emotions, relationships and ways of responding coming up again and again.
What it can feel like
- Emotions that feel very intense or change quickly
- Relationships that often feel painful or unstable
- Finding it hard to trust others or feel close
- Ways of coping that help in the moment but cost you later
Why it might be happening
These patterns often make sense in the light of earlier experiences and the ways we learned to protect ourselves. Noticing them says nothing fixed about who you are. Therapy can offer space to understand them and find ways of responding that feel better for you.
Things you can try now
- 1Notice what tends to happen before things feel hard
- 2Be curious rather than critical about your reactions
- 3Keep a note of what helps, even a little
- 4Talk with a professional if these patterns are affecting your life
How therapy can help
A psychologist can help you understand what is going on, make sense of it in the context of your life, and try approaches with good evidence behind them. These Abantu psychologists work with this:
Not sure who to choose? We'll help
For family and friends
Listen without rushing to fix it. Ask what would help, and let them know you are there.
Supporting a family member
Related listening
Voice notes on this topic are on the way. Have a listen to what's there now.
If you need help now
Abantu isn't an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.
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