BPD & Empathy - The BPD Bunch S5E3

In this episode, Xannie, Katja, Jack, Madhurima and Jay explore the complexities of empathy for those of with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The Bunch discuss cognitive and affective empathy, the importance of recognizing personal limits, and how to offer support to others without losing yourself in the process. Come back on Friday as we wrap up this topic, with a discussion on the "Borderline Empathy Paradox." October 23rd we'll be back with a new discussion topic, BPD & Seasonal Affective Disorder. Can't wait until then? Sign up for our "BPD Buddies" or "BPD Besties" tiers on Patreon to get early access to an exclusive extended cut of next week's episode NOW! https://www.patreon.com/thebpdbunch 🌟 Love what we do? Your support fuels these important conversations on BPD and mental health. Consider joining our Patreon community to help us continue this valuable work and unlock exclusive content. Every contribution makes a difference! 🌈✨ 🔗 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebpdbunch ________ Terms from this episode: Schizotypal Personality Disorder: This is a mental health condition where a person might feel very different from others. They may have unusual thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors, and they might struggle with forming close relationships. People with this disorder often feel uncomfortable in social situations and can seem odd or eccentric to others. The DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) STOP Skill - a technique used to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions and distressing situations. STOP is an acronym that stands for:Stop - Pause and take a moment to recognize your current state.Take a step back - Create distance from the situation to gain perspective.Observe - Notice your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.Proceed mindfully - Decide on your next steps based on the awareness you've gained.The STOP skill encourages individuals to take a moment to breathe and assess their emotional state before reacting impulsively. By using this skill, they can make more thoughtful and effective decisions in challenging situations, ultimately fostering emotional regulation and healthier responses.Checking the Facts - a DBT skill designed to help individuals assess the reality of a situation and challenge distorted thinking patterns. This skill involves examining the facts surrounding a distressing thought or emotion to determine if it is based on reality or assumptions. It encourages individuals to ask questions like: What is actually happening? What evidence supports or contradicts my thoughts? By clarifying the facts, individuals can reduce emotional distress and make more informed decisions. This process helps combat cognitive distortions, leading to a more balanced perspective and improved emotional regulation. ________ About Us: The BPD bunch is a YouTube talk show, featuring a panel of people who are in functional recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder. Each week we discuss BPD-related topics to help give you insights into the different ways BPD can be expressed in someone’s life. We also cover the different paths we followed on our recovery journeys to give you hope and direction for your own ❤️ Thank you for being on this journey of healing with us! ________ Disclaimer: Although several of our panelists work in the mental health field, we are all coming to you as people in functional recovery from BPD, and are not here to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.