Many people with BPD struggle with intense and inappropriate anger. Their anger can be extreme, sudden, and incredibly difficult to control. The reason this anger is called “inappropriate,” is because the level of anger seems to be more intense than is warranted by the situation or event that triggered it. Even a minor inconvenience or perceived slight can cause an outburst of anger in someone with BPD. Although this anger can go on for hours, it may also fade away as quickly as it appears.
During an outburst, people with BPD may engage in unhealthy behaviors, including yelling, physical violence, and self-harm. Their anger may be directed at close friends, romantic partners, family members, and even doctors. But this anger is not always outwardly directed, sometimes the person with BPD can be angry at themselves and not at anyone or anything else.