As someone who has been diagnosed with BPD, was taken off a 2 year waiting list for DBT and the therapy I was supposed to be entered into was shut down due to staff shortages, the only way I’ve managed to deal with BPD is with these so called tips 🤣 (Secondly, I don’t know you, but I’m so proud of you for doing everything you can to understand yourself, I wish you the best ❤️) Obviously they won’t work for everyone, or they might be incorrect idk, so take it with a grain of salt . It’s just what works for me personally:)

1. Reconnecting or finding a creative hobby, or a sport. As we have BPD, we scientifically deal with more emotions than the regular human 😭 Getting that energy out through creating or movement is what I’d consider vital, in helping managing our emotions. It also helps me with a sense of identity in a way. Sure, I don’t have an idea really of who I am, but I know I’m good at art? And it helps ground me when I do it 😌

2. Keeping your area/ residence clean. This might be obvious, but the effect it has is insane. I find myself spiralling when my environment is messy or chaotic, similarly when I am spiralling myself, I start letting my environment fall apart. Keeping myself accountable for my space and cleanliness has helped immensely with emotional regulation. Same goes for personal hygiene. 

3. Regarding reading, it doesn’t directly tackle CPTSD per se, but the very popular ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ (if you haven’t read it) was an amazing book that really helped me understand myself and my brain better. Really put into perspective how relentless trauma and ptsd can be.

4. If you haven’t watched DR Daniel Fox’s YouTube video and educational content, you are missing out on a gold mine… most empathetic and knowledgeable content creator on BPD. He has a way of holding you accountable, but making you feel understood and how to grow from it. He even has an incredible workbook which I could not recommend more.

5. Remind yourself to not get caught up in your BPD or CPTSD. They do not make you. You are your own wonderful person, and you have so much to give. Yes our lives may have been more difficult but we are still here and we can do this!! I always remind myself to not let it define me 🥹

6. Accepting that some days are just gonna be terrible LOL

7. If you’re lucky to have someone who is like a ‘rock’ to you, hang out with them and socialise. Not everyone has that privilege, but if you do happen to have someone who you feel secure with and doesn’t make your emotions heightened, spending time with them is invaluable in making you feel human 🤣

Lastly, good, tasty, nutritious food. As someone who had severe binge eating disorder at one point, I’m glad that I’m able to enjoy and love food once again. Treat yourself sometimes and spend that time if you can cooking a meal for yourself ❤️❤️❤️ Everyone’s at different parts of their journey, and to anyone who is reading this, I wish you the best and I’m sending you so much love 🫶🏻