Lived experience creators & trauma-informed allies: our go-to resources!
The internet can be a minefield when it comes to finding information; there’s a wealth of wisdom to be found, and sometimes we’ll encounter some real b*llshit before we get to the good stuff. It can be really triggering when there’s still so much stigma, bias and misinformation out there - so we reckon a good rule of thumb is to seek out authors, content creators and mental health professionals who are lived experience and/or sincere allies, who advocate for our community.
Here are a few of Maddie & Jade’s personal go-tos when it comes to learning more about mental health and our healing journey. These resources might not be for everyone, but they’ve certainly been something the both of us have leant on; whether we’re on an introspective deep-dive, or just need some relatable memes on a big rest & self-care day. Hope some of these are helpful for you, too!
Podcasts:
Bold Beautiful Borderline - podcast with lived experience hosts Laurie and Sara, who speak candidly to guests about their experience with BPD
Socials: @boldbeautifulborderline @sarawellnessway @laurieanned
Back from the Borderline - Lived experience host Mollie Adler explores deep and interesting topics through a non-pathologising lens
Socials: @backfromtheborderline
The Intense Mind - a podcast tailored for gifted adults navigating the unique challenges of intensity, sensitivity, and the quest for authenticity
Content Creators:
@understandingbpd - unlearn what you’ve been taught about BPD, through a disability & healing lens
@livedexperienceeducator - Sonny is a neurodivergent influencer and author of ‘The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills’
@softcoretrauma - cutsey relatable meme page
@kyrakam - Kylee’s personal account of living with BPD and NPD, and works toward reducing stigma around their diagnosis’. Their partner is diagnosed with Anti-Social Personality Disorder and Autism @autisicallyyours
@jadementalhealthcoach - lived experience mental health coach who shares tools and resources
@bpdbryan - lived experienced comedian & candid reels
Websites:
Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC - Canada based charity that supports those living with BPD and their loved ones. Lots of amazing worksheets and resources
The Mighty - Stories, advice, and resources made by and for lived experience people
Eggshell Therapy and Coaching - Promoting practise with a focus on emotional intensity, high sensitivity, and giftedness
Books:
‘Pay Attention to Me’ by Kelly South - Kelly gives a raw and honest look at BPD through her own journal entries alongside her therapist’s patients notes (btw this is the only decent book on BPD Jade has ever come across!)
‘No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems’ by Dr Schwartz- teaching a revolutionary paradigm of understanding and relating with ourselves - a method that brings us into inner harmony, enhances self-compassion, and opens the doors to spiritual awakening
‘The Myth of Normal’ by Gabor Mate - Pretty much a culmination of his life’s work. Gabor is a doctor/healer who compassionately views the human experience through a trauma lens; and in this text explores trauma in the context of wider societal issues
‘Unmasking Autism’ by Devon Price - Contemporary text about how we now know Autism presents (vs outdated male-centric diagnostic criteria). Not relevant to everyone with BPD/EUPD or CPTSD, but so enlightening if you suspect you may be on the spectrum (there is a lot of co-morbidity with BPD & ASD & ADHD)