Bringing It to Life #6: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Part Two with Guest Amanda Smith

In the second part of their conversation with Amanda Smith, Bill and Megan explore the challenges faced by families of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). They discuss the importance of education, self-care, and strategies for navigating high conflict situations.

The Importance of Family Support and Self-Care
Amanda emphasizes the significance of family support and education in the long-term success of individuals with BPD. She highlights the positive impact of informed and understanding family members and the importance of self-care for those living with someone with BPD. Amanda encourages family members to prioritize their well-being, serving as positive role models for their loved ones.

Navigating Fear and Creating Safety Plans
Megan raises the issue of fear that many family members experience when their loved one with BPD engages in self-harm or expresses suicidal thoughts. Amanda suggests creating safety plans and checklists to help families navigate crisis situations and feel more prepared to prioritize physical, environmental, and relational safety.

Questions we answer in this episode:

• How can family support contribute to the success of individuals with BPD?
• What strategies can families use to find common ground?
• How can family members prioritize self-care while supporting their loved one?
• What steps can families take to address fear and create safety plans?

Key Takeaways:

• Family support and education play a crucial role in the long-term success of individuals with BPD.
• Prioritizing self-care is essential for family members to effectively support their loved one.
• Creating safety plans can empower families to handle crisis situations.
• Seeking support from trained therapists is important for healthy recovery.

This episode offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for families affected by Borderline Personality Disorder. Listeners will gain the tools necessary to support their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being.

Links & Other Notes

GUEST

• Amanda Smith, LCSW

BOOKS

• • The Borderline Personality Disorder Wellness Planner for Families
  • The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness Planner
  • The Big Book on Borderline Personality Disorder

COURSE

• • Online Borderline Personality Disorder Family Course [begins May 29, 2024]—led by Amanda Smith

ORGANIZATIONS

• • Hope for BPD
  • National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Mind.org.uk
  • Australia BPD Foundation Limited (listing of resources across Australia)

ARTICLES

• • 7 Tips for Working with Clients With Borderline Personality Disorder 
  • The New Elephant in the Room: Why All Professionals Need to Learn About Personality Disorders

OUR WEBSITE: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/

• Submit a Question for Bill and Megan
• All of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.
• You can also find these show notes at our site as well.

Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (00:36) - Part Two: Borderline Personality Disorder with Amanda Smith
• (01:34) - How to Support BPD Family Members
• (07:23) - Fear and Safety
• (11:33) - The Danger of Being Reinforced in Social Groups
• (15:33) - Confusing Gaslighting
• (18:59) - Wrap Up
• (19:33) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: An Increase in Bullying

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