What Is BPD?

In this episode of 7 Days Inside: Borderline, Kyle Lincoln breaks down what BPD is and how it has been historically misunderstood. He explains that the term “borderline” originally described individuals who didn’t fit neatly into early psychiatric categories but has since evolved to capture three core struggles: intense emotional swings, a deep fear of abandonment, and an unstable sense of self. Through two fictional case studies—Elena, who internalizes emotions, and Marcus, who externalizes them—Kyle illustrates how BPD can present differently while still following common patterns. The episode highlights the “paradox of closeness,” where the desire for connection conflicts with the fear of rejection, shaping relationships in complex ways. By the end, listeners better understand BPD beyond stereotypes or casual misuse of the term.