Mental Illness Happy Hour

#740 Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Dr. Blaise Aguirre

5 snips
Mar 21, 2025
Dr. Blaise Aguirre, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard, specializes in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder. He dives into the complexities of self-hatred, explaining how these feelings are learned rather than inherent. His new book, "I Hate Myself," offers insights on overcoming self-loathing. Aguirre emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and compassionate dialogue in DBT, sharing strategies for managing mental health and the journey towards self-acceptance amid societal pressures.
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INSIGHT

BPD Characteristics

  • People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) struggle to regulate emotions, relationships, and sense of self.
  • They experience intense fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and extreme emotional reactions.
INSIGHT

BPD as Emotional Survival

  • Individuals with BPD often exist in a state of emotional and mental survival, driven by desperation.
  • Their actions, often perceived as manipulative or attention-seeking, stem from intense emotional pain and a lack of coping skills.
ANECDOTE

Paul Gilmartin on Suicide

  • Paul Gilmartin shares his understanding of suicide, relating it to feeling trapped and on fire.
  • He mentions a quote that resonates with him: "I'm not afraid of death. I'm afraid of life."
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