Gabby is the blogger and author behind Normal is Too Mainstream, a blog devoted to sharing her journey and favourite ways of coping with BPD, anxiety and depression. In this episode I interviewed Gabby about how advocacy and creativity via blogging help her deal with BPD. We also touch on DBT skills, how to help a loved one with BPD, useful books on BPD and more! You don’t want to miss this episode. Resources mentioned: http//www.normalistoomainstream.wordpress.com https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003TXT5MY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LW8UZVX/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 https://survivingcptsd.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/dbt_skills_training_handouts_and_worksheets_-_linehan_marsha_srg_.pdf https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Loving-Someone-with-Borderline-Personality-Disorder-Audiobook/B017Y8MP8K?source_code=M2M30DFT1BkSH11221601A7&&ipRedirectOverride=true

In this episode of Beyond the Borderline I walk you through how to make your very own Coping Tool Box. Making a Coping Tool Box is a fun, creative way to put together a set of personalised tools you can access at any time of day or night to manage difficult thoughts, emotions and situations. Articles about making a Coping Toolbox: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/Creating-a-Coping-Skills-Toolbox https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.goodtherapy.org/blog/12-skills-strategies-to-add-to-your-anxiety-toolbox-0421165/amp/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=92i5m3tV5XY

It’s a fact: despite the UK’s National Health Service many of us with BPD (and other mental health conditions) do not get the kind of professional mental health support we need. This episode is not intended as a substitute for professional care. Rather, it’s a review of 10 tools I find helpful as part of my self-care and support system as I do my best to navigate living with BPD.

A listener suggestion prompted this episode on memory problems and BPD. In this episode I explore some of my experiences with memory problems as part of BPD and Depression, and I share 5 tips to help with memory problems associated with mental health. Body scan meditation: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OS_iqfGjL78&t=619s.

In this minisode I discuss the DBT skill called Teflon Mind, and share an example of how I adapted it to suit my needs over the holiday period. Article about Teflon Mind: https://www.anythingtostopthepain.com/dbt-skill-of-the-day-teflon-mind-from-mindfulness-module/

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.

The topic of boundaries is a massive one. I may do several episodes on the topic! In this one I draw on an article by Dr. Arielle Schwartz )”Boundaries and the Self”) to bring you five simple yet not easy practices you can use to cultivate more loving and effective boundaries in your life. Article referenced in the episode: https://drarielleschwartz.com/boundaries-and-the-self-dr-arielle-schwartz/#.Xe01GCWnwlQ

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 these questions.