Distress Tolerance: Alternate Rebellion
You know those times when you have an overwhelming urge to scream “FUCK YOU!” in the face of someone who is trying to tell you what to do, or who … Continue reading
Distress Tolerance: Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons is one of my favourite skills, because it helps you to make it through crisis situations, and to focus on your long-term goals. (I consider it the … Continue reading
I’m writing this because I don’t want to die: Jowita Bydlowska on shame and mental illness | Toronto Star
Check out this great article on shame and self-stigma from Jowita Bydlowska, the author of Drunk Mom: I’m writing this because I don’t want to die: Jowita Bydlowska on shame … Continue reading
I am tired of mood swings.
I’m sure many Borderlines can relate. I certainly can.
I always feel like I’m guilty of something – Albert Camus.
Originally posted on recovery network: Toronto:
? ? Sometimes it’s our very being not exactly like them that leads our accusers to regard us as guilty. Sometimes it is our…
Distress Tolerance: The Dialectic
Before I launch into a special category of Distress Tolerance skills (the “Dialectical” skills, I call them) I want to say (er, write) a few words about the dialectic, which … Continue reading
Kids, Poverty, and Mental Health — CBC
Dr. L (my wonderful psychiatrist) once told me that most people with psychiatric disorders develop them as a result of things that they experienced while young — under the age … Continue reading
Talking in the Third Person Lowers Anxiety
Do you ever do this? I must admit, I do it all the time. Almost every time I look at myself in the mirror, I criticize myself — the way … Continue reading
Seeing things? Hearing things? Many of us do – Oliver Sacks
So many Borderlines — myself very much included! — have experienced extreme states and emotions that have brought about auditory and visual hallucinations. Add to this that Borderlines are often … Continue reading
Here’s What Happened: Part 2, Cinderella, Cumberbitches, and a Letter of Redemption (or, How I Never Met Benedict Cumberbatch)
Here’s what happened (part 2): (part 1) It’s now the end of July 2013. For me the worst isn’t over, and I’m groping at anything that will cheer me … Continue reading
Here’s What Happened: Part 1, The Joy of Cooking (Trigger Warning)
It’s been over six months since I last posted anything. Here’s what happened (part 1): My Prince, myself, and our son moved into a spacious two-bedroom on March 1st. The … Continue reading
Prayers, sort of, for I.M.P.R.O.V.E.
Taking a little break while I move…packing, unpacking, cleaning, a stressed and exhausted toddler, and a silverfish infestation in the kitchen have all kept me quite busy. Meanwhile, here are … Continue reading
Finally, research proves BPD brains are wired to ‘feel it all’
Researchers at my own alma mater, the University of Toronto, pinpoint two key differences in the brain activity of patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, reports the NEA-BPD (you can find … Continue reading
Distress Tolerance: I.M.P.R.O.V.E.
When you find yourself in a situation or experiencing a feeling that is uncomfortable, and you think to yourself, “I really can’t deal with anymore shit right now,” but you … Continue reading
Mindfulness: Four Free Relaxation mp3s!!
Four free relaxation exercises from the Student Wellness Centre at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. Exercises include diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, and guided imagery. I have personally … Continue reading
Distress Tolerance: Self-soothe
The next Crisis Survival Skill on our agenda is Self-soothe. Many of the self-soothing activities are also things we do to take care of ourselves — to feed our body, … Continue reading
Beauty and the Borderline 