I have already searched for the question on this sub but ironically, I did not understand the answers.
I would like to know how a person with a mood disorder behaves/thinks/feels day-to-day as opposed to a person with a personality disorder. Please don’t respond with the key differences between Bipolar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder because that is not what I am looking for. Thank you in advance 🙂
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Mood disorders mean that someone’s brain isn’t able to regulate their emotions the way that a “normal” (or neurotypical) brain does. Personality disorders are more diverse and complex (and, probably fair to say – less understood), and a bit harder to explain.
Say that three people are on an airplane and the flight attendants are handing out ice cream. By the time the flight crew reaches row 32, they give the last one to a passenger in 32A.
In 32A is a passenger with a mood disorder that causes “too much” reaction. 32A was excited for ice cream, but they get the package and realize it’s strawberry – and they hate strawberry. The feeling they experience in that moment could be something akin to how the “normal” mind processes the death of a loved pet or family member.
32B has a “normal” brain and is disappointed – strawberry is their favorite! – but they move on.
But not 32C. 32C could be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and believe that they are deserving of special treatment – no ice cream triggers extreme rage. 32C was already upset when the check-in desk wouldn’t let them carry 51 lbs on board – it’s just 1 lb over!, and the check-in staff should recognize that they are special and only overpacked because they had to – but this ice cream is where they draw the line. 32C prepares an attack, makes a snarky comment at the flight attendant, and starts pooling allies that they can manipulate hoping to garner some sort of special recognition from the flight crew and airline. “Don’t you know who I am?”
31B, on the other hand, has Avoidant PD. They hear the storm brewing one row back, and they know that they could probably settle things in row 32 by turning around and giving up their ice cream (they’re allergic to strawberry – they only took it from the flight attendant because that seemed like it wouldn’t draw further attention or questions, as flying is already traumatizing). But the thought of doing so – actually standing up and interjecting – triggers a feeling of intense fear and panic – like looking over the edge of a cliff. 32C’s rage fit is only making things harder on 31B, so they crank up their noise-cancelling headphones and hide under a blanket while the ice cream melts.
Meanwhile, 32A now feels on top of the world. They just saw one of their favorite scenes during the in-flight movie, and the ice cream is long forgotten.
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