An Unclear & Unstable Self-Concept Those with BPD struggle with having an unclear and unstable self-concept – meaning to be aware of and have a collection of beliefs – morals and values – about ourselves and how we see ourselves in the world. Therefore, if I do not know what I believe in, what my…
Tag: Borderline Personality Disorder
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Highlights Of DBT’s Emotional Regulation Skills
DBT & Emotional Regulation Skills Goals of Emotional Regulation: Understanding and Naming Emotions: Core Emotional Regulation Skills: Focused Emotional Regulation Skills Tidbits of Helpful Information Check the Facts How to Check the Facts: Ways To Describe Emotions Emotions That Fit The Facts Opposite Action How To Do Opposite Action: Opposite Action For Emotions Problem Solving…
365 Days of Sobriety: My Journey and Triggers
The Trigger Recently I celebrated 365 days of continuous sobriety. I was completely out of sorts for most of the day. Why? My day started with an early morning 12 Step Zoom Meeting followed by an intense trigger about what happened when I first entered recovery 28 years ago. 28 years ago, I was a…
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Highlights Of DBT’s Mindfulness & Distress Tolerance Skills
DBT & Mindfulness Skills Goals of Mindfulness Practice: Core Mindfulness Skills: Focused Mindfulness Skills Nonjudgmental How to Practice Being NonJudgemental: Practicing Effectiveness Half Smile Willing Hands Half-Smiling Willing Hands tells my body there isn’t a threat. To me, this dolphin is a beautiful example of Half-Smile Willing Hands with her sweet face and outward pectoral…
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Unstable & Fragile Identities
Identity Problems and BPD From Chapter 7, page 99 of Borderline Personality for Dummies: Those who suffer from BPD often have the feeling that they’ve lost their identity. Unlike those who’ve lost their financial or online identity, people with BPD have lost something dearer and more fundamental. They lack a sense of who they are…
Another Layer
Stigma & Shame For years I have struggled with mental health and alcohol addiction and the stigma and shame of both. I wonder how many people like myself stayed away from 12-Step rooms or tried the 12-Step way but just couldn’t admit to themselves they are alcoholic and started drinking again because of the stigma…
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Coping With The Inner Critic
That Inner Critic Everyone has an Inner Critic. What does my Inner Critic say? She says things like: People are mad at you. People do not like you. I am in trouble. I have done something wrong. Other people are right and I am wrong – I must defer. I must defer to those who…
Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – DBT Skills Need Time & Everyday Practice To Become A Part Of Me
Healing Takes Time In a recent therapy session, I spoke of feeling overwhelmed with the many Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills taught to help those with BPD navigate life with better success. My therapist reassured me I am still relatively new to adjusting with my BPD diagnoses, and it will take some time to settle…