Bipolar vs. Borderline: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever felt confused about your emotions? Do you know someone who has big mood swings and you're not sure why? A lot of people ask us this question: “Do I have bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder?”
These two mental health conditions can seem alike at first. But they are actually very different. Learning the difference can help you or someone you care about get the right kind of help.
Let’s break it down together.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. That means it mostly affects your mood over time. People with bipolar disorder go through strong highs and lows. These are called episodes.
You might notice:
Feeling full of energy, talking fast, taking risks, or not needing sleep (this is a manic or hypomanic episode)
Feeling very sad, tired, hopeless, or like you don’t care about anything (this is a depressive episode)
Feeling normal or okay in between these times
There are a few types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I has full manic episodes that may need hospital care.
Bipolar II has hypomania (a milder form of mania) and depression.
Cyclothymia has lots of ups and downs, but not full episodes.
These mood changes usually last for days or weeks. They don’t always happen because of something going on around you.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder. It mostly affects how you feel about yourself and other people. It also makes it hard to manage your emotions, especially during stress.
You might notice:
Feeling fine one moment and then suddenly angry, sad, or scared—often after a problem with someone close to you
Being very afraid that people will leave you or stop caring about you
Not being sure who you are or what you want
Acting on impulse, like using substances, hurting yourself, or doing risky things
Feeling empty inside, even when life seems okay
People with BPD often have mood swings that come and go quickly. These changes are usually caused by things happening in their relationships, like a fight or feeling rejected.
Let’s Check In
Here’s a quick question: Do your emotions change quickly after something stressful happens with a friend or partner? Or do your moods seem to change on their own, even when life is calm?
This can help point us in the right direction.
How Are They Different?
Here’s a quick side-by-side look:
Mood changes:
Bipolar moods last for days or weeks
BPD emotions can change in minutes or hours
Triggers:
Bipolar episodes can happen without a clear reason
BPD reactions usually happen after relationship stress
Relationships:
Bipolar disorder can affect relationships during episodes
BPD often includes intense and hard-to-manage relationships
Self-image:
Bipolar self-image stays mostly steady between episodes
BPD often includes confusion or changes in self-identity
Treatment:
Bipolar is usually treated with medication
BPD is best treated with therapy, especially DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which we offer at HTNW
Why It Matters
Sometimes people get diagnosed with the wrong condition. This can lead to the wrong kind of help.
For example:
Someone with BPD might be given bipolar medication that doesn’t work—or even makes things worse
Someone with bipolar might not get the meds they need if they’re only sent to therapy
Family, friends, or even doctors might not understand the real issue
Most of all, the right support gets delayed—and that can make healing harder
You deserve support that fits your real needs.
What Happens Next?
At Humanistic Therapy NW, we take time to learn your story. We don’t just look at labels. We ask questions. We listen. Then we work with you to build a care plan that actually fits your life.
Whether you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or just feeling overwhelmed by emotions, you’re not alone.
You are not “too much.” You are not broken. You are a person who deserves support, care, and respect.
We offer free consults. We focus on real relationships—not just diagnoses.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.