If you or someone you know is dealing with a challenging situation and could benefit from additional support, consider talking to one of the 10,000 licensed online counselors at BetterHelp.

When you hear the word “boundary,” you may imagine a physical line or barrier. However, when it comes to emotions, boundaries have a different meaning. Personal boundaries matter in significant relationships. Some individuals attempt to manipulate us or take advantage of our kind nature.

One of the critical components of being able to establish personal boundaries is a confident selfimage. Developing selfconfidence takes time, effort and emotional insight. People who struggle with boundaries often have a difficult time seeing their internal value. They may prioritize others over themselves. The most common example of lacking the ability to respect oneself is having trouble saying “no” to others, whether those people are close to you or even strangers. Saying “no” can be challenging, but once you’re able to do this, you will likely start to feel good about yourself and begin to establish healthy boundaries.

Sometimes people with particular mental illnesses struggle with boundaries. For example, those with Borderline Personality Disorder have difficulty establishing limits because they don’t have a clear sense of self. That’s not to say that they cannot develop this sense of who they are, but having a lack of understanding of who you are versus who the other person is can be a symptom of BPD.

You don’t have to have a mental illness to struggle with boundaries. Some people have trouble developing their limits with others. If you find you struggle with limitations, you can discuss this with a therapist whether that’s with an online counselor or a therapist in your area. Boundaries are a crucial part of healthy relationships, and if you’re having trouble with them, a therapist can help.

IMPORTANT: The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.