Saturday, February 13, 2010

A Few Good Books

Just got back from a vacation...on one day, I went browsing through the psychology section of Barnes and Nobel for BPD books...though I didn't find the two books I was looking for, they did have a decent selection so I got to do a bit of reading. So I'll share some of the books I've read or browsed then and over the years that relate to mental illness and most specifically about BPD:

Get Me Out of Here - One woman's detailed account of what BDP is like - including recovery. This is a great read for anyone who has BPD, knows someone who does, just wants to learn more about the illness, or just wants a good story.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook - I realize I "advertise" this book a lot, but its been a big help to me! It has very detailed information and activities to teach you each of the four key DBT skills, including how to regulate your emotions, tolerate stress, be mindful and have effective relationships. It can be a bit heavy on the info at times, so I recommend anyone using it do the lessons in small increments. The activities can be immediately and effectively applied to your own life, and the book begins with setting up emergency plans on how to cope with overwhelming emotions and self-harm which is a great way to begin your recovery from BPD

Sometimes I Act Crazy - One of the first books I read when I suspected I had BPD, its a good introduction to the symptoms. It give detailed descriptions and case studies that help you understand the various aspects of the condition, and although its not set up to guide you through recovery it does offer some good suggestions on practices that are helpful to overcoming aspects of BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder for Dummies - an all-inclusive book, it describes BPD and the symptoms, gives theories on why people develop this disorder, explains how and where to seek evaluation and treatment and gives a ton of tips on how to deal with BPD if you are a sufferer of a close friend of one.

2 comments:

  1. I am very interested in starting DBT but it's very expensive here and my insurance for psych. basically sucks. I am already paying $1500 a month in therapy bills. I saw the DBT book you listed on my therapist's shelf the other day. I think I'm going to ask her if I can borrow it.

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  2. Sounds like a good idea Addison, I hope it is helpful for you. I got the book because the leader of the DBT group in my area was putting her class on hold as she was having a baby, so rather than wait for the group to start up again I just did the book and then discussed it with my therapist.

    I like that the book starts with distress tolerance skills that can be used right away...in the first chapter you start setting up "emergency plans" that will work for you to help deal with your emotions....these have been such a help to me!

    Yahoo groups also has a DBT group that allows you to discuss the various strategies with others, which you might also find helpful!

    Best of luck to you and all those who are struggling...

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