Change can be a daunting experience for anyone, but for those with BPD it can cause huge emotional stress. We go through stages of change without even being aware we are doing it.
1) Precontemplation Stage- the person has not seriously thought of change at this stage, often finding that they are defensive about their bad habits.
2) Contemplation/thinking about recovery- the person is thinking about change but is sitting on the fence, unsure whether to engage or not. Often a push or suggestion in the right direction will sway a person in this stage in engage.
3) Preparation/preparing for recovery- The person has set their sights on change and are about to start the process. Can last up to a month.
4) Action/Actively engaged in recovery- the change is begining to be made and practicing their new behaviours around the old bad habit.
5) Maintaining recovery- the person has made a commitment to change and is up keeping their skills.
6) Relapse- the person has reverted to their old behaviour.
Relapse doesn't always mean the person who has set out to change is back at square one. Each relapse is a learning process. The process is an upwards spiral, even if you relapse, the change you made will help facilitate further change in the future.