Like so many, I enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book in hand (fiction or nonfiction). I settle into a relaxing and comfortable position knowing I have an hour or two to immerse myself into something magical (I hope). Long ago are the days of a frantic and dizzying pace of reading in order to research for papers and essays for college courses. I’m not sure I would call that reading. It certainly wasn’t for enjoyment. If that happened to occur it was an additional bonus.
Now, much later in my life, reading has become a hobby!
This leads me to one of my many book reviews. If you are someone, who like me, struggles with BPD, then this book is a must read. If you know a relative or a friend who struggles with BPD, then this book is a must read. If you work with teens and young adults in any capacity, then this book is a must read. If you’ve heard about BPD and have been curious, then this book is definitely for you.
The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Living With BPD, Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D. & Kim L. Gratz, Ph.D., 2007, New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Simply stated, I highly recommend this book!!
As someone who has struggled with BPD nearly my entire life, this is BY FAR the best book I have ever read regarding Borderline Personality Disorder. That is saying something! Because I am a voracious reader (quality not quantity), and my own best advocate, I have read a lot of books about BPD. This book, in my opinion, is at the very top of the list.
In one very quick statement, the book’s contents can best be summed up in this manner. A terrific description of BPD that is easy to understand. An explanation regarding what are the causes and symptoms. And where can you find help.
This book is by far the best informative source regarding Borderline Personality Disorder I have ever read to date. Granted there are probably more recent texts which cover this topic. However, this is the best one I have read thus far!
Here is an introduction directly from the author:
“People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) struggle with their emotions, their behaviors, and their sense of identity, as well as their relationships with other people. Because they are in such emotional turmoil, they often resort to coping strategies that seem to work in the moment but actually make their problems worse (such as suicide attempts, self-harm, or drug use)…They often act on the spur of the moment without thinking things through carefully. As a result, their relationships and responsibilities may suffer. Emotionally, people with BPD are like burn victims, extremely sensitive to even the slightest hint of an emotion and yet so afraid of their emotions that they seek to do anything and everything they can to avoid them.”
This book is easy to read and understand.
The author does a great job keeping this difficult and complex disorder real and valid. As someone who struggles with BPD, I found this book and the information discussed very helpful for close friends and family who wanted a better understanding of my self-harm issues and other symptoms. There were a few who were interested in reading this book themselves. So, as I was reading this book, I highlighted very specific sentences and paragraphs which I felt would be extremely helpful for each of them. Then, as I gave them the book, I told them to read what I highlighted if they didn’t want to read the entire book.
I recommend you read every single word!
If you want to know more about Borderline Personality Disorder from someone living through it, you can visit my page titled, “Borderline Personality Disorder.” In no way am I an expert in the field. However, with that said, I have 30 years of experience under my belt and I have learned a lot about BPD in that amount of time. In my personal opinion, I don’t think someone with BPD ever fully “recovers.” I believe it is a lifelong journey. I believe that some of the symptoms can go into remission, so to speak. But, no different than an alcoholic who counts his days and years of staying clean, BPD is much the same.
For me, I am going on two years of being clean. The struggle is still there and it’s real. But, the more you learn and the more you put into practice what you have learned, the easier it gets. I promise!
While you’re here, check out these additional internet resources cited by the author:
- TARA For Borderline Personality Disorder – Treatment and Research Advancements National Association for Personality Disorder (TARA NAPD)
- A Resource For Families and People in Recovery – National Education Alliance for BPD (NEA-BPD)
- BPD Central
- The Linehan Institute – Behavioral Tech LLC
I am curious…what book(s) would you put in your top 10 about borderline personality disorder? Please leave a comment and share.
©Julie Corbett
Thoughts by Ajae 
I was shown a self help book on DBT – I’m vague on the exact title but remember it being a workbook – the lady who showed me said it was invaluable. I was booked on to go on some training with emergence plus (UK) but got substituted when I handed my resignation in, which was a real shame (although right for the company lol)
Thanks for the recommendation – will check it out 🙂
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I am going to guess it was probably one of author, Marsha Linehan’s workbooks. She is the creator, founder, and expert of DBT. Her DBT based program literally saved my life. Her program, skills, and workbooks are a must for everyone struggling with BPD!
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Thank you so much for sharing this! I have a dear friend who struggles with her BPD and I am going to recommend this book to her.
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You are so very welcome. I am so pleased to know that someone may/will benefit from my recommendation. This really is a terrific book!
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I have dealt with many of the issues described as BPD in this post. We discovered that my body does not process nutrition well through the help of our nutritionist. I am now able to supplement my lost vitamins and minerals and live a normal, healthy life.
What are your best books on BPD and nutrition? A post on that would be an interesting read as you are going through the blogging challenge.
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Thank you for the comments! Yes, I agree with you. I have learned over the years that what I put into my body makes a big impact on my mental health. I also struggle with major depressive disorder and others. When I want to reach out for the “comfort” foods, I have to remember that they end up making me feel worse in the long run. Your question regarding books about BPD and nutrition is a good one. I haven’t seen anything like that. However, I will look around and see what I can find. If you read my page in menu row at the top of my page titled, “Borderline Personality Disorder,” I do touch on the fact that most researchers and professionals have found that BPD can’t be linked to something specific, such as food. At the same time, I discuss how most people who are diagnosed with BPD, also have co-occurring diagnosis. Therefore, for myself, I know that a generally healthier diet/nutrition definitely helps with my depression and then that also affects the intensity of my BPD symptoms. Thank you!
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Reading is a hobby of mine too! I cannot wait to see my children sitting quietly immersed in a book like your son does. At 5 and 9 the reading bug has not bitten yet.
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We started reading to my son soon after he was born and we did that consistently with him every single day. He started reading on his own very early and we made him read at least 15 minutes every night before bedtime. It just became a part of his bedtime routine. We encouraged him with a new book of his choice. We really didn’t care what he read, as long as he was reading. I think reading is so important for everyone! It’s important to keep our minds active and strong!
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Interesting blog. I’ve heard this mentioned and will make a note of the book to have a peruse.
Thank you for the recommendation.
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You are welcome and thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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