Addiction is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is often a way to self-medicate, and while it may work in the short run, it ultimately leads to more problems and more pain. This song, written early in my active addiction to alcohol, describes the struggle to break free. I have found writing to be a very effective way to cope with emotional pain, and music has therapeutic benefits. So I share this song with you, to tell you that there is hope in the midst of a painful battle. Keep reading
More Than Borderline
Borderline Personality Disorder Blog
One of my ways of coping with stress is writing. In college, I wrote songs as one of my ways to cope with a near-overwhelming depression and borderline personality disorder (BPD). During my sophomore year of college, I was hospitalized for severe depression and suicidal ideation. While in the psychiatric ward, I wrote this spiritual song, which I now share with you because of its message of hope in the middle of despair. This song came to me on my twentieth birthday. Keep reading
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complicated disease. While a personality disorder such as BPD in itself can not be medicated, its co-occuring illnesses and symptoms can. But what it medication is not available during a sudden flare-up of symptoms? Or what if the medication on its own is ineffective? There are three herbs you should know about: yerba mate, kava kava, and valerian. Keep reading
Spirituality can be a wonderful healing tool for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it can also be a source of pain. When religion becomes abusive, it does more harm than good. Keep reading
An underlying premise of schema therapy is that people with borderline personality disorder operate in different modes, including Abandoned Child mode. In this video, I talk about the Abandoned Child mode and how to cope with it. Keep reading
Sometimes we feel as if we’re getting worse instead of better. Sometimes we feel as if we’re in more pain, not less. This is due to emotional thawing. Keep reading
In their book 12 “Christian” Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend identify several “spiritual” beliefs that are actually toxic. Three apply to people of any religion: “it’s selfish to have my needs met,” “leave the past behind,” and “guilt and shame are good for me”. Keep reading
Traumatic memories are a common complication of borderline personality disorder (BPD). They can lead to self-injury, dissociation, addiction and other problems. While relaxation exercises can be helpful, for some people they can be harmful. If this is the case for you, talking about the trauma before trying to use relaxation exercises may be useful, as can facing a few facts. Keep reading
Alcoholics Anonymous has many wise teachings, even if you’re not an alcoholic. One particularly useful one is the importance of checking your thoughts, looking specifically for “stinking thinking”. These thoughts warn us of a likely relapse (alcohol, drugs, self-injury), and it is recommended you change your thoughts. Keep reading
Addiction is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, many myths about addiction treatment keep people with BPD from seeking help. More Than Borderline’s, Becky Oberg, explores these myths and the realities of addiction treatment. Watch. Keep reading
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