In recent years, mental health awareness has grown exponentially leading to a wider understanding of various conditions. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has gained significant attention, yet it remains complex and often misunderstood. In this blog post, we’ll explore a selection of insightful books that dig into BPD, offering both personal narratives and professional perspectives. We have not read all of the suggestions below, but we are confident that they can be useful.
These readings shed light on the experiences of those living with BPD; and they can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand more about this multifaceted disorder. Whether you’re someone with a BPD diagnosis, a mental health professional, or simply curious person, these books about BPD promise some clarity and empathy.
Girl in Need of a Tourniquet by Merri Lisa Johnson
This is an emotional memoir that explores the author’s journey through the challenges of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The book provides a raw and insightful look into Johnson’s experiences with mental illness, capturing both the struggles and the moments of clarity she faces. Through her narrative, Johnson offers a blend of personal reflection and broader commentary on the complexities of living with BPD. The memoir not only aims to raise awareness and understanding, but it also seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. With honesty and vulnerability, “Girl in Need of a Tourniquet” is a compelling book for anyone interested in the details of mental health and the resilience of the human spirit.
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I Hate You – Don’t Leave Me by Jerold J. Kreisman & Hal Straus
This one is a comprehensive guide that provides significant insight into BPD including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Through a focus on helping both those affected by BPD and their loved ones, the author explores the emotional turbulence, relationship difficulties, and self-image issues that are characteristic of the disorder. “I Hate You – Don’t Leave Me” shares practical advice to manage the condition and to navigate interpersonal relationships.
Finding Solid Ground by Jennifer Costanza
This is a practical and empathetic guide designed to support individuals struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder. This book offers a blend of personal insights and professional advice, providing readers with tangible strategies to manage the emotional instability and relationship challenges associated with BPD. Costanza combines her personal experiences with clinical knowledge to address key aspects of the disorder, such as emotional regulation, self-care, and building healthy relationships. “Finding Solid Ground” is a valuable resource for people living with BPD and their support networks, offering hope and tools to navigate the challenges of this often misunderstood condition.
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Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder by Shari Y. Manning
“Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder” is a compassionate guide for partners of individuals with BPD. It includes actionable strategies and tools to help maintain a healthy and supportive relationship through the emotional volatility that often characterizes BPD. The author addresses common challenges faced by partners like the management of intense emotions and effective communication. By blending psychological insights with practical advice, the book empowers readers to navigate their romantic relationships , while promoting understanding and resilience. This is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve the dynamics within romantic relationships and to support their partners with BPD in a constructive and balanced way.
Borderline by Alexander Kriss
This book is a comprehensive exploration of BPD through clinical knowledge and personal narratives. In “Borderline”, Kriss, a clinical psychologist, digs into BPD’s symptoms, underlying causes, and effective treatment approaches. The author works towards the demystification of the condition and the reduction of stigma. Don’t miss its evidence-based strategies which will increase your hope towards improvement. This read is valuable for individuals with BPD, their families, and mental health professionals seeking a clearer perspective.
You may want to check out: 5 TV series that portray Borderline Personality Disorder (mostly) right
The Way She Feels by Courtney Cook
This powerful memoir explores the emotional and psychological impact of mental illness through the lens of women’s experiences. Cook, a mental health advocate and writer, shares her personal journey of living with Borderline Personality Disorder and her path towards healing. “The Way She Feels” shares her reflections on the broader struggles faced by women dealing with similar challenges, highlighting both the pain and the resilience involved. Cook’s writing gives an intimate look at the complexities of mental health, offering a sneak peek into the therapeutic processes and support systems that have been instrumental in her recovery.
The Buddha & the Borderline by Kiera Van Gelder
“The Buddha & the Borderline” is an enlightening memoir about the author’s journey through BPD and towards healing. In this book, Van Gelder shares her experiences detailing the intense emotional struggles and tumultuous relationships she faced. She explores her recovery process, which was significantly influenced by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach developed specifically for BPD. She also weaves in elements of Buddhist philosophy, illustrating how mindfulness and meditation played a crucial role in her recovery. Through her narrative, Van Gelder offers hope and advice to those living with BPD, while highlighting the transformative power of combining therapeutic techniques with spiritual practices.
Loud in the House of Myself by Stacy Pershall
This read is a compelling and candid memoir that dives deep into the author’s experience with BPD and her path to self-understanding and stability. Pershall gives us a raw and unflinching look at the emotional agitation and intensity she went through with BPD. “Loud in the House of Myself” describes Pershall’s adolescence and adulthood, highlighting her battles with self-harm, chaotic relationships, and the challenges of navigating mental health treatment. Through humor, vulnerability, and sharp insight, Pershall explores her personal history and the impact of BPD on her identity and relationships.
El infierno de Ana by Ana Paola Sierra Arzuffi
A little promotion doesn’t hurt. This is Ana’s book, one of the creators of this blog, and although it’s only available in Spanish, we didn’t want to leave it out of this list of recommendations.
The book explores the turmoil and distress associated with BPD, including struggles with self-image, intense relationships, and emotional instability. Ana’s candid recounting of her experiences paints a vivid picture of the pain and confusion that often accompany the disorder. “El infierno de Ana” (Ana’s hell in English) recounts the daily realities of living with BPD and shares very relatable situations.
Most importantly, this book was key to the motivation that built this blog.
We hope this list serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand their BPD or to support those affected by it.
Happy reading, and may these stories and insights bring clarity and compassion to yourself and your personal journey.
Do you have any recommendations? Share them with us!
* Do you have a friend or family member with BPD? Do you want to share your story with us? Remember you can write us here. We’re here, contact us!
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