Supporting individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) in the workplace
Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), previously known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), is a complex mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with others. Individuals with EUPD often experience intense, rapidly changing emotions and may struggle with maintaining stable relationships or managing impulses – all of which can impact their wellbeing and performance at work.
While EUPD can be challenging, with the right understanding and support, individuals living with the condition can thrive – both personally and professionally.
In this article, we’ll explore what EUPD is, how it presents, and the steps employers can take to provide the right support and reasonable adjustments at work.
What is emotionally unstable personality disorder? (EUPD)
EUPD is one of a group of psychiatric conditions known as personality disorders. These conditions affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and relates to others – and in the case of EUPD, this often involves intense mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
It’s estimated that EUPD affects just under 1% of the population. The condition typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and often co-exists with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Common symptoms include:
- Rapid, intense changes in mood
- Persistent feelings of emptiness
- Fear of abandonment
- Difficulties in managing relationships
- Risky or impulsive behaviours, including misuse of substances
- Recurrent thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- A fragile or unstable sense of identity
As symptoms can vary widely between individuals, diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist. However, people may initially seek support from their GP, who can guide them towards appropriate services.
What causes EUPD?
Like many mental health conditions, EUPD is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. A history of trauma – especially in early life – is common among those diagnosed with the condition. However, not everyone with EUPD will have experienced trauma, and the causes are complex and individual.
Treatment and recovery
Treatment for EUPD focuses primarily on psychological therapy, with the aim of helping individuals develop more stable emotional responses and improve their relationships and daily functioning.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective treatments for EUPD. It combines cognitive behavioural strategies with mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation skills.
While medication is not typically used to treat EUPD itself, it may be prescribed to help manage co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Alongside therapy, lifestyle strategies can support recovery and help individuals manage symptoms. These may include:
- Maintaining a consistent daily routine
- Getting regular exercise and sleep
- Eating a balanced diet
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques
With the right support, many people with EUPD go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Supporting employees with EUPD at work
A mental health condition like EUPD can bring challenges into the workplace – but with empathy, flexibility and open communication, employers can play a key role in supporting their employees’ wellbeing and success.
Here are some practical steps employers and managers can take:
Crisis planning
Employees living with EUPD may sometimes experience suicidal thoughts or episodes of emotional distress. A crisis plan, agreed with a healthcare professional, can provide clear steps and contacts to help them stay safe. Where appropriate, this plan can be shared with a trusted manager to ensure timely support.
Wellness action plans
A personalised Wellness Action Plan (WAP) can help identify:
- Early warning signs of deteriorating mental health
- Specific work-related triggers
- Strategies that support recovery
- Key contacts in an emergency
Creating a WAP collaboratively helps build trust and ensures that managers feel confident in providing support.
Regular check-ins
Having scheduled one-to-one check-ins between the employee and a manager or designated colleague can provide a safe space to flag any concerns and address workplace stressors before they escalate. A stress risk assessment may also be helpful to identify and mitigate any job-related pressures.
Signposting support
Ensure employees are aware of all available mental health resources, including:
- Your organisation’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders
- External support groups such as Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory.
These services can offer emotional, psychological, and practical support, which may significantly ease the impact of the condition.
Manager awareness and training
Managers may not always feel confident in supporting team members with fluctuating mental health. Providing training on EUPD and other complex conditions can improve understanding, reduce stigma, and equip managers with helpful tools — such as:
- Clear, consistent communication
- Realistic goal setting
- Recognising signs of distress
- Responding calmly and supportively
Flexibility for treatment
Allowing employees reasonable time away from work to attend medical or therapy appointments is often a vital part of recovery and management of EUPD. Flexibility in working hours, temporary adjustments to workload, or hybrid working arrangements can also make a big difference.
Occupational health involvement
If a more tailored approach to workplace support is needed, a referral to Occupational Health can provide expert advice on reasonable adjustments and long-term strategies to support the employee’s health and performance at work.
In many cases, employees with EUPD may be covered under the Equality Act 2010, meaning employers have a legal duty to consider and implement reasonable adjustments.
Living with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder can be difficult – but with early intervention, the right treatment, and a supportive work environment, people with EUPD can build meaningful careers and contribute positively to their teams.
How Medigold Health can help
At Medigold Health, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health – and supporting employees with conditions like EUPD requires compassion, expertise and the right tools.
Our comprehensive mental health services can help your organisation put the right support in place, whether that’s through:
- Tailored Occupational Health referrals
- Manager training on supporting mental health at work
- Access to neurodiversity and mental health awareness sessions
- Advice on creating effective Wellness Action Plans and crisis management protocols
Get in touch today to find out how our workplace mental health solutions can support your team.
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