I’m delighted to announce that Beyond the Borderline has a new sponsor: COPE NOTES! Founded by peer advocate, suicide survivor, speaker and musician Johnny Crowder, COPE NOTES is a research based mental health support tool that brings you daily texts including peer support plus tips, tools and exercises created by mental health professionals, all for under $10 per month. And it’s available internationally. COPE NOTES is anonymous, and you can cancel at any time. To try COPE NOTES use this link: https://copenotes.com/subscribe/?affiliate=Beyond

Splitting, a common BPD symptom, causes many of us to act impulsively and self destructively. In this minisode I discuss strategies for managing splitting episodes without ruining relationships, hurting ourselves and compromising our values.

BPD folk often become extremely romantically obsessed with unavailable people. In this episode I describe my current struggle with obsession and what I’m doing to overcome it.

What is hypomania, how is it different to mania and how do you cope with it? This episode of Beyond the Borderline offers answers to the above questions from a peer perspective. Hypomania and Mania - article from MIND U.K. website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/hypomania-and-mania/#.XaAviWjTWEc

I discuss why many of us with BPD (and other mental and emotional health problems) struggle with happiness and joy, and examine some coping strategies and tools to help us tolerate these essential emotions.

Part 2 of a 3 Part Episode on folks with BPD/EUPD and relationships - from a peer perspective. In this segment I look at a tool called “Defining Your Values” and discuss how it can help us to develop healthier relationships with ourselves and others. #mentalhealth #narcissism #bpd Please note: I am not affiliated with any of the websites listed below: https://www.cmu.edu/career/documents/my-career-path-activities/values-exercise.pdf, https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets/values/none, https://www.mindfulnessmuse.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy/identify-your-true-values, https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/gb/tests/personality/values-profile%3famp

A look, a tone, a side eye... those of us with BPD (EUPD), who identify as emotionally sensitive and/or have been affected by trauma can be affected by other peoples’ non verbal communication in ways that may seem extreme and confusing to others, and sometimes to ourselves. In this minisode I explore why we sometimes experience such emotionally explosive reactions and a few ways we can manage distressing interpersonal communications. Please note: if you are in a significant relationship of any kind with someone who uses non verbal communication to shame, bully or demean you, please seek professional help. For more information on Radical Acceptance, as discussed in this episode: https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-it-really-means-to-practice-radical-acceptance/

Splitting is the subject of this episode of Beyond the Borderline. I define what splitting is according to my understanding and share some DBT and other tips that have helped me reduce my own splitting episodes. Remember, I am a peer with lived experience of BPD and other mental health issues, NOT a mental health professional. Opinions expressed are my own.

Minisode - I share about a triggering encounter and the role of creativity in my life. I ask you, listeners, to share your experiences of creativity as a healing tool. Tweet me @beyondtheborde3 to voice your opinion.

In this episode I walk you through how to use a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy technique called ABC PLEASE, which can help you regulate your emotions in the short and long term. I share from a peer (not professional) perspective!